steroid dependant non-allergic asthma

Has anyone every used Xolair with success for steroid dependant asthma where there are no existing allergies (no IgE level at all - all allergy tests negative repeatedly but eosinophils always elevated)?  
My 14 year old son has been on high dose oral steroids for over three years.  He's been on IVIG 4g every three weeks for a year and has tried 12 weeks of methotrexate with no improvement.  
He also has bouts of upper airway 'tightening' that cause him to desat into the low 80s and high 70s.  These episodes only occur when steroids are attempted to wean or are at a lower dose.  He ranges from 20-100mgs/day on prednisone.  
Any thoughts?

[bsmsl]

I doubt that your son would be eligable for Xolair with a "non-existent" IgE level.  Xolair is a very expensive medicine used only to treat allergic asthma as demonstrated by an elevated IgE level.  Xolair works by binding with IgE to keep it from attaching to receptors in cells and triggering allergic reactions that then trigger asthma issues.  But do discus this with his dr for his clarification and input.

Has your son been evaluated for GERD (acid reflux)?  GERD is a major contributer to many people's asthma. Just a thought.

You might consider getting a second opinion.  I would recommend you find a dr that has a fellowship in a specialty organization for either asthma or pulmonology.  Where do you live?  Do you know the specialty organizations in your country?

Another option would be to take your son to a teaching hospital.  In the US I would recommend National Jewish or Texas University. I have several friends who have benefitted greatly by evaluation by the doctors at NJ.  

I hope that helps you.