Safety of biological therapy in elderly patients with severe asthma

Abstract

Objective

To assess the safety of biological therapy for severe T2 asthma (omalizumab, mepolizumab, benralizumab and reslizumab) under real-life conditions in elderly patients older than 70 years.

Methods

Retrospective data collection including clinical characteristics, comorbidities, treatment, disease control and adverse events (AE) of all patients with severe asthma on biological therapy older than 70 years seen in the Severe Asthma Unit of our hospital.

Results

Of 147 patients with severe asthma being treated with biologics, 21 patients older than 70 years were included. The median age of these patients was 76.3 years (range 71–86) and the majority were women (n = 18, 85.7%). There were 9 patients (42.9%) who experienced an AE related to biological treatment. Four (44.4%) were in treatment with omalizumab, two (22.2%) with mepolizumab, two patients (22.2%) with reslizumab and one (11.1%) with benralizumab. The median FEV₁ (%) was 66%. These patients had a considerably higher body mass index (BMI). No significant differences were found for any other variable. Most of the AE reported were considered mild with the exception of one case of systemic AE (anaphylaxis) associated with omalizumab.

Conclusion

This study indicates that the prescription of biological therapy in elderly patients with severe asthma seems to be safe. More evidence is needed in this particular population.

Keywords:

• Asthma
• biological therapy
• elderly patients
• monoclonal antibodies
• anti-IgE
• anti-IL-5
• adverse effects

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.