Long-term use of mepolizumab in a case of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia: extending interval dosing.

Introduction: Mepolizumab, a humanized anti IL-5 monoclonal antibody, has been used off-label for chronic eosinophilic pneumonia (CEP), inducing disease remission and saving systemic corticosteroids.

Case Study: We present a case of CEP, requiring long-term corticosteroids therapy due to relapse upon withdrawal. Mepolizumab was started and maintained for 2 years and 6 months.

Results: Corticosteroids could be withdrawn and mepolizumab dose interval was spared up to 10 wk with no disease relapse.

Conclusion: Mepolizumab is shown to be useful for chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, allowing corticosteroid withdrawal. Dose interval may be individualized under close monitoring, for a more efficient treatment, reducing medical costs while improving patients' quality of life.