Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for allergies to Alternaria alternata in children - 10/08/11
Reprint requests: Maciej Kupczyk, MD, Department of Internal Medicine, Asthma and Allergy, Medical University of Lodz, Kopcinskiego 22, 90-153 Lodz, Poland.Abstract |
Background |
The safety and efficacy of specific immunotherapy for mold allergy are not known in children and adolescents.
Objective |
We evaluated the efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy with a standardized allergen extract in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-year prospective study of patients who were allergic to only Alternaria alternata.
Methods |
Fifty children and adolescents (25 girls; 5-18 years of age) with A alternata–induced seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma were randomly assigned to groups given treatment (Novo-Helisen Depot, A alternata 100%) or placebo. The primary end point was the combined symptom medication score. Secondary end points included safety, quality of life, and sensitivity to allergen-specific nasal challenge.
Results |
Forty-five children completed the 3-year study. Although there was no significant change in year 1, the combined symptom medication score decreased in years 2 and 3 of the study (by 38.7% and 63.5%, respectively; P < .001 for each). The reduction in symptoms was associated with a significant improvement in quality of life (P < .05) and decrease in sensitivity after allergen-specific nasal challenge. Side effects were observed in 7 patients; the most common (edema at the site of injection) occurred after 11 injections.
Conclusions |
Allergen-specific immunotherapy with standardized A alternata extract reduces symptoms of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in children and adolescents without serious side effects.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : Specific immunotherapy, Alternaria alternata, molds, rhinoconjunctivitis treatment, asthma treatment
Abbreviations used : EAACI, sIgG4, SIT, SMS, TU, VAS
Plan
| Disclosure of potential conflict of interest: The authors have declared that they have no conflict of interest. |
Vol 127 - N° 2
P. 502 - février 2011 Retour au numéro
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