Optimal duration of allergen immunotherapy in children with dust mite respiratory allergy. Issue 1 (5th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arroabarren, Esozia; Tabar, Ana I.; Echechipía, Susana; Cambra, Koldo; García, Blanca E.; Alvarez‐Puebla, Maria J.
• Is Part Of: Pediatric allergy and immunology. Volume 26:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 41
• Publication Date: 2015-01-05
• Subjects: Allergy in children -- Periodicals; Immunologic diseases in children -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1111/pai.12296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0905-6157

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="pai12296-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="pai12296-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p>Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) discontinuation data in children remain scarce.</p> </sec> <sec id="pai12296-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>We sought for differences in the clinical efficacy of 3 vs. 5 yr of SCIT in children with dust mite respiratory allergy.</p> </sec> <sec id="pai12296-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>We performed a 5‐yr, phase IV prospective study. After the first year, the patients were randomized to 3 (IT3) or 5 yr of treatment (IT5). Efficacy was assessed at 3rd and 5th year by symptom and medication scores and visual analog scales (VAS). Skin tests with common allergens and <italic>in vitro</italic> assessments were also performed.</p> </sec> <sec id="pai12296-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Eighty‐one children (mean age: 9 yr) were randomly assigned to 3 (IT3: 41) or 5 yr (IT5: 40) of immunotherapy. After 3 years, rhinitis global scores decreased in IT3 (44%; p = 0.002) and in IT5 (50%; p = 0.001). Asthma global, symptom and medication scores decreased by 100% in IT3 (p = 0.001) and IT5 (p = 0.001). VAS scores also diminished significantly (IT3: 70%, p = 0.001; IT5: 62.5%; p = 0.001). At 5th year, global rhinitis scores were reduced an additional 30% in IT5 children. Comparisons between both groups did not show differences in rhinitis (p = 0.055), asthma global scores (p = 0.948) or VAS scores at 5th year. Twenty percent of IT5 (p = 0.002) and 7% of IT3 children (p = 0.705) developed new sensitizations. At 5th year, sIgG4 determinations decreased in IT3 without significant variations in IT5.</p> </sec> <sec id="pai12296-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Three years of SCIT induced significant improvement in children with dust mite respiratory allergy, but a 5‐yr course added clinical improvement in rhinitis.</p> </sec> </abstract>