Administration of benralizumab in a patient with severe asthma admitted to the intensive care unit with COVID-19 pneumonia: case report

Eur J Hosp Pharm. 2022 Jul;29(4):235-236. doi: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002660. Epub 2021 Apr 21.

Abstract

A patient with severe asthma on benralizumab therapy was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. At the end of the 8 week benralizumab dosing interval, discussion arose as to whether benralizumab should be administered or if treatment should be discontinued, due to the lack of experience with benralizumab in this situation. Severe broncho-obstruction developed, and the next injection of benralizumab was administered during ICU admission without detrimental symptoms. With this case report, we would like to share our experience with the safe administration of benralizumab during COVID-19 pneumonia, guiding doctors in future decision making.

Keywords: COVID-19; case reports; critical care; pulmonary medicine; safety.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Asthma* / diagnosis
  • Asthma* / drug therapy
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment*
  • Humans
  • Intensive Care Units

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • benralizumab