Abstract

Objective: There are few studies investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients using omalizumab. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our patients who have been treating with omalizumab.

Material and Methods: From two centers, a total of 20 patients participated in the study. A questionnaire, consisting of 45 questions prepared by our department, and a visual analogue scale (0: minimum, 10: maximum) were applied face-to-face to the patients.

Results: It was observed that six patients (30%) did not continue their omalizumab treatment during the pandemic period. While 90% (n=18) of the patients were wearing masks, 85% (n=17) stated that they paid attention to social distance. In our study, the frequency of COVID-19 infection in patients using omalizumab was 10% (n=2). With the pandemic, while our patients’ working-study habits were affected negatively (n=10, 50%), their appetite increased (n=8, 40%), and it was noted that there have been changes in their sleep patterns (n=8, 40%).

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected our patients’ treatments and follow-ups. Our results support the argument that the use of omalizumab does not increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: asthma, COVID-19, urticaria, omalizumab

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How to cite

1.
Karalı Z, Çekiç Ş, Özdemir Ö, Canıtez Y, Sapan N. Evaluation of Patients Treated With Omalizumab (Anti-Ige) During The Pandemic Period. Turk J Pediatr Dis [Internet]. 2023 Mar. 22 [cited 2025 May 25];17(2):118-25. Available from: https://turkjpediatrdis.org/article/view/988