Data sources and searches
We conducted a systematic literature search to identify RCTs which assessed the safety and efficacy of omalizumab in AR. Two reviewers independently searched MEDLINE (through PubMed) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from inception on September 30, 2020 and inconsistencies were resolved by a third reviewer. A search in PubMed was performed using the following algorithm “(’omalizumab’ OR ’anti-IgE’ OR ‘anti-immunoglobin E’) AND (’rhinitis’ OR ’allergic rhinitis’) AND (random OR random* OR trial OR ”randomised controlled trial” OR ”randomized controlled trial” OR ”clinical trial”)” and in CENTRAL using the terms “(’omalizumab’ OR ’anti-IgE’ OR ‘anti-immunoglobin E’) AND (‘rhinitis’ OR ‘allergic rhinitis’)”.
All randomized trials that assessed subcutaneous omalizumab as treatment or pretreatment in patients with AR were considered eligible. All nonrandomized and quasi-randomized trials were excluded. We also excluded studies that assessed clinical outcomes unrelated to rhinitis, studies using an anti-IgE other than omalizumab, and studies which were not RCTs.