Omalizumab use in a patient with asthma and hereditary spherocytosis

Abstract

Biological drugs are becoming the standard of care in severe refractory allergic diseases. In the case of Omalizumab, it is indicated for severe asthma. Some biological drugs have unexpected effects related to hematotoxicity. Hereditary spherocytosis is a common cause of hereditary anemia, with heterogeneous manifestations influenced by multiple factors, as exposure to drugs. Our aim was to evaluate possible hematological effect of omalizumab in a case of hereditary spherocytosis. A 10-year-old boy with hereditary spherocytosis and severe asthma was started on Omalizumab due to several exacerbations and frequent need of oral corticosteroids, along with a decreased respiratory function. After six months, clinical improvement was observed. Simultaneously, there were no changes in hematological parameters. We report the first case of treatment with Omalizumab in a child with severe asthma and hereditary spherocytosis. In this study, this therapy appears to be safe in hemolytic anemia.