Background:

Omalizumab (OMA) is approved for antihistamine resistant chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). The possibility of self-administration (SA), is particularly convenient in current pandemic scenario, avoiding commutements to the hospital.

Objectives:

CSU control, SA safety, satisfaction, and cost reduction for patients under OMA SA therapy, during a period ≥ 12 weeks and after 2 training sessions in Outpatient Hospital Care (OHC) were evaluated between January and June 2021.

Methods:

A questionnaire (30 questions) was applied for the characterization of clinical/demographic data, therapy, adverse reactions (AR) and advantages/concerns related to OMA SA. Clinical evaluation of CSU was performed in T0 (last administration in OHC) and T1 (at12 weeks on SA), by urticaria activity score in the last 7 days (UAS7), urticaria control test (UCT) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI).

Results:

Twenty-five patients with a mean CSU duration of 7.4 ±3.9 years and under OMA for 3.2 ±1.9 years were included. At the time of the questionnaire, 52% had already 3 SA of OMA 300mg, with variable periodicity between 4/4 week (44%) and 8/8 week (12%); 40% without antihistamine H1 (anti-H1) therapy associated. In 88% OMA was SA by patient himself. 64% perceived equal pain intensity with SA than in OHC administration. No serious AR were reported. Regarding the control of CSU, there were no statistically significant differences between scores in T0 and T1. SA was considered advantageous by all patients, being valued the reduction of time/costs. About 48% reported some concerns with SA, especially in OMA manipulation. The majority (76%) considered a simple and practical procedure, valuing initial training sessions in OHC. For 52% there was no need for further improvement, while the simplification of the OMA delivery process was proposed by 28% of patients.

Conclusions:

OMA SA had a positive impact on satisfaction in patients with CSU, keeping up the good control and therapeutic safety.

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