Omalizumab as a treatment option for antihistamine-refractory aquagenic urticaria

BMJ Case Rep. 2022 Jul 18;15(7):e251057. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2022-251057.

Abstract

A teenage girl presented with symptoms of itching and hives on contact with water for 3 years. On specific provocative testing and ruling out underlying systemic conditions, she was diagnosed with aquagenic urticaria. Following failed attempts to control her symptoms with second-generation antihistamines, she was started on monthly subcutaneous injections of the monoclonal antibody, omalizumab. The patient demonstrated significant improvement, with symptoms being well-controlled for 2 years now. She enjoys a good quality of life and can take a shower without developing itching or hives.

Keywords: Dermatology; Immunology.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anti-Allergic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Chronic Disease
  • Chronic Inducible Urticaria
  • Female
  • Histamine Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Omalizumab / therapeutic use
  • Pruritus
  • Quality of Life
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Urticaria* / drug therapy
  • Urticaria* / etiology

Substances

  • Anti-Allergic Agents
  • Histamine Antagonists
  • Histamine H1 Antagonists
  • Omalizumab