Background: Asthma is characterized by a chronic airway inflammation, usually sustained by type 2 immunity. Bronchial and peripheral eosinophilia are biomarkers for type 2 asthma. Biologicals are the most effective treatment for severe asthma at present. Mepolizumab is an antagonist of interleukin-5 (IL-5), the most relevant cytokine involved in eosinophilia.
Objective: This case report evaluated the effectiveness of mepolizumab in two girls with severe eosinophilic non-allergic asthma.
Materials and methods: Two female children with severe eosinophilic nonallergic asthma were treated with mepolizumab for two years. Clinical findings, lung function, peripheral eosinophils, asthma control, and bronchial endoscopy were performed.
Results: Biologicals reduced the eosinophilia, asthma exacerbations, and improved lung function in both patients. The treatment was also safe and well-tolerated.
Conclusion: Mepolizumab represents an effective therapeutic option in the management of severe pediatric asthma.
Keywords: bronchial endoscopy; children; eosinophils; mepolizumab; severe asthma.