Short-term efficacy of nasal immunotherapy

Allerg Immunol (Paris). 1998 Jan;30(1):14-7.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nasal immunotherapy in the management of allergic rhinitis. Sixteen patients (10 Female; 6 Male) aged 15-60 years (mean age--31.9) were selected on the bases of clinical history, skin prick tests and RAST positivity. Allergen extract is a "macronized" powder form (Allerkin), it was supplied by Laboratorio Farmaceutico Lofarma (Milano Italy) and administered for 12 months to 8 patients with perennial rhinitis (Dermatophagoides extract) and for 6 months to 8 patients with seasonal rhinitis (grass or Parietaria pollens extract). This treatment was carried out by self administration in two phases: the first one (3 months) consisted of administration of increasing doses; the second phase (maintenance period) was carried out 3 months in seasonal rhinitis and 9 months in perennial rhinitis. All the patients were evaluated before and after immunotherapy and scores from 0 to 3 were attributed according to the symptoms presented and need of drugs for symptomatic relief. Scores before and after immunotherapy were compared using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Ranks Test and a significant decrease was observed for every symptom in seasonal and perennial rhinitis (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this trial shows that nasal immunotherapy in powder form can be a valuable short-term option in patients with allergic rhinitis.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intranasal
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Allergens / administration & dosage*
  • Animals
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Desensitization, Immunologic*
  • Female
  • Glycoproteins / administration & dosage
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mites / immunology
  • Pollen / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / therapy*
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / immunology
  • Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / therapy*
  • Self Administration

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Antigens, Dermatophagoides
  • Glycoproteins