RESEARCH ARTICLE
Monoclonal Anti-TNF-α Antibodies for Severe Steroid-Dependent Asthma: A Case Series
Camille Taillé*, 1, 2, 3, Claire Poulet 1, 4, Sylvain Marchand-Adam 5, 6, Raphaël Borie 1, Marie-Christine Dombret 1, Bruno Crestani 1, 2, 3, Michel Aubier 1, 2, 3
Article Information
Identifiers and Pagination:
Year: 2013Volume: 7
First Page: 21
Last Page: 25
Publisher ID: TORMJ-7-21
DOI: 10.2174/1874306401307010021
Article History:
Received Date: 12/12/2012Revision Received Date: 17/1/2013
Acceptance Date: 17/1/2013
Electronic publication date: 22 /2/2013
Collection year: 2013
open-access license: This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non-commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited.
Abstract
Background:
Refractory asthma represents an important condition, with considerable morbidity and mortality. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is a potential target for treatment of severe asthma. However, controlled studies have shown controversial results and the risk-benefit profile of TNF-blocking agents is still debated.
Objectives:
To describe the effect of infliximab on asthma control in patients with severe, uncontrolled, steroid-dependent asthma.
Methods:
From 2007 to 2010, 7 patients received infliximab in our center. All had severe refractory asthma, with frequent severe exacerbations and hospitalizations in the intensive care unit despite maximal inhaled treatment, daily oral steroids and omalizumab treatment.
Results:
Asthma control improved in the 6 patients who received infliximab for at least 3 months. Oral steroids could be stopped in 4 and the frequency of exacerbations and hospitalizations was greatly reduced, especially for the 3 patients with brittle asthma. Two patients showed severe adverse effects (bacterial pneumonia and extension of spreading melanoma). Three patients have received infliximab for more than 2 years, with good tolerance.
Conclusion:
This case series suggests that anti-TNF-α drugs may improve the condition of a subgroup of patients with severe steroid-refractory asthma, with a favourable risk-benefit profile for most, considering asthma severity, occurrence of life-threatening exacerbations and complications of long-term oral steroids. Specific controlled trials of this subgroup are warranted.
