Longitudinal multi-trajectory phenotypes of severe eosinophilic asthma on type 2 biologics treatment

Abstract

Background: Limited understanding exists regarding the progression trajectory of severe eosinophilic asthma (SEA) patients on type 2 biologics therapies. Objective: We aim to explore distinct longitudinal phenotypes of these patients based on crucial asthma biomarkers. Methods: We enrolled 101 adult patients with SEA. Of these, 51 were treated with anti-IL5/IL5Rα or anti-IL5/IL5RαR antibody, and 50 with anti-IL-4Rα antibody. Multi-trajectory analysis, an extension of univariate group-based trajectory modeling, was used to categorize patients based on their trajectories of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), blood eosinophil counts (BEC), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels at baseline, and after 1, 6, and 12 months of treatment. Associations between trajectory-based clusters and clinical parameters were examined. Results: Among anti-IL5/IL5Rα antibody-treated patients, 2 clusters were identified. The cluster characterized by higher baseline BEC and lower FEV1 showed a better response, with improvements in FEV1 and reductions in BEC over time. Among anti-IL-4Rα antibody-treated, 3 clusters were identified. Clusters with moderate BEC and FeNO at baseline demonstrated better improvements in FEV1 and reductions in FeNO, despite increased BEC during follow-up. Conversely, individuals with extremely low FeNO and high BEC at baseline were more likely to experience poorer progression, demonstrating an increase in FeNO and a reduction in FEV1. Conclusion: To optimally monitor treatment response in SEA patients on type 2 biologics, integrating longitudinal biomarker features is essential.