A slowly absorbed gelatin-pollen extract for the treatment of hay fever

Abstract

1. 1. Gelatin, a slow absorption medium, was mixed with ragweed pollen extracts in an attempt to overcome difficulties encountered with the standard aqueous extracts. 2. 2. A delay in absorption of the active ragweed substance of the gelatin-ragweed extract as compared to the aqueous ragweed extract was noted following subcutaneous injections at passive transfer sites in a series of normal nonsensitive adults. 3. 3. A series of ninety-five adult patients suffering from ragweed hay fever symptoms were treated preseasonally with the gelatin-ragweed extracts. Another group of ninety-five adult patients were treated with the standard aqueous extracts during the same period. Twenty-two patients of the first group continued their treatment on a monthly basis during 1940 after having completed a course of preseasonal injections. 4. 4. A greater tolerance for the ragweed-gelatin extract was noted; higher maximum dosages (often twice the amount attained with the aqueous extracts) were given with safety and with half the number of injections. 5. 5. Constitutional reactions were milder and occurred infrequently. 6. 6. More effective clinical relief was obtained following treatment with the gelatin-ragweed extracts. 7. 7. An average dosage schedule for preseasonal treatment with gelatin-pollen extracts was determined. It was modified to suit the individual's tolerance. 8. 8. The gelatin extract must be prepared according to the technique outlined if standard and satisfactory results are to be obtained. 9. 9. At present the chief value of the gelatin extracts is in the treatment of hay fever patients so sensitive as to accept poorly the usual aqueous pollen therapy. 10. 10. Further studies are in progress to determine whether the use of the more slowly absorbed gelatin extracts will result in a more sustained and lasting immunity.