Long-term effects of omalizumab on peripheral blood cells and C-reactive protein levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria

Omalizumab's mechanism of action is not well-understood yet despite its strong therapeutic efficacy in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). To determine the overall effect of omalizumab on peripheral blood cell counts and serum C-reactive protein levels (sCRP) during a 1-year follow-up in patients with CSU. Data of 74 patients (male/female: 20/54) were reviewed from medical charts. Leucocyte counts, percentages of peripheral blood cells(lymphocyte, monocyte, neutrophil [PPBN], eosinophil, basophil [PPBB]) and sCRP were recorded at baseline, 3rd, 6th, 12th months of omalizumab treatment. Although a dramatic increase in the mean PPBB (+/- SD) was observed at the 3rd month, PPBB (%) gradually decreased after the 3rd month (PPBB: 0.38 +/- 0.21 [baseline] vs. 0.59 +/- 0.3 [3rd month], p = .002). However, 12th month PPBB remained higher than baseline (PPBB:0.38 +/- 0.21 [baseline] vs. 0.46 +/- 0.27 [12th month], p = .03). A dramatic decrease in the mean PPBN (%) was noticed within the first 3 months (PPBN:62.85 +/- 8.97 [baseline] vs. 58.37 +/- 9.07 [3rd month], p = .04), and 12th month PPBN remained lower than baseline values (PPBN: 62.85 +/- 8.97 [baseline] vs. 60.31 +/- 8.02 [12th month], p = .045).Mean sCRP (mg/dL) decreased rapidly within the first 3 months (sCRP: 1.09 +/- 1.53 [baseline] vs. 0.56 +/- 0.45 [3rd month], p = .17) and 12th month sCRP still remained lower than baseline levels (sCRP: 1.09 +/- 1.53 [baseline] vs. 0.83 +/- 1.06 [12th month], p = .01). Omalizumab substantially increases PPBB,and reduces PPBN accompanied by a reduction in sCRP especially in the first 3 months; however, these effects may continue in the long-term. The alterations in peripheral blood cell ratios and sCRP may contribute to the therapeutic effect of omalizumab in CSU.