Omalizumab for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria in clinical practice

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a skin disease that predominantly affects adults, especially women aged 20 to 40 years, and is characterized by the recurrent appearance of localized or widespread wheals, angioedema or both, without apparent external trigger. 1 , 2 Severe CSU has a detrimental effect on the quality of life and is a frequent cause of absenteeism from school and work. [3] The pathogenesis of CSU is not well understood, and it appears to have an autoimmune cause in approximately one-third of patients. [4] Guidelines for the management of CSU recommend the use of second-generation antihistamines, with the addition of leukotriene receptor antagonists, cyclosporine, or omalizumab. [1] A short course (10 days maximum) of oral corticosteroids may also be included for acute exacerbations