2023 Volume 37 Issue 3 Pages 197-201
A 14-year-old boy was diagnosed with bronchial asthma at 2 years of age, and long-term management was initiated. However, in spite of the long-term treatment using asthma controllers he was hospitalized for acute exacerbations of asthma 30 times by the age of 12 years. In junior high school, the severity of asthma increased. Even with the use of a medium-dose inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-stimulant combination, he exhibited wheezing and dyspnea daily, which seriously affected his school life, including physical education classes and club activities (track and field team). He presented to our hospital and the diagnosis of asthma was confirmed. We added dupilumab to his regular treatment. Two months after commencing the drug, he no longer experienced wheezing or dyspnea. The maximal decrease rate of FEV1.0 after exercise provocation test improved from 78% to 29%. However, a re-evaluation 1 year and 3 months after commencement of the drug showed no further improvement. This case demonstrates the effectiveness of dupilumab in managing severe asthma in children. The long-term effects of dupilumab on respiratory function and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction will also be evaluated.
