A systematic review of randomised controlled trials, non-randomised controlled trials and observational studies to ascertain the role of pollen-specific immunotherapy in improving clinical outcomes in pollen-food (ORAL ALLERGY) syndrome

Abstract

Background Pollen Food(Oral allergy) Syndrome (PFS) is a food allergy which is caused by cross-reactivity between inhalant pollen allergens and food allergens, causing mild to severe symptoms upon ingestion of the cross-reacting foods. PFS has a high and increasing prevalence in pollen-allergic patients. The role of pollen-specific immunotherapy in improving clinical outcomes for patients with PFS has not been established. To date, there are no systematic reviews which have been identified in the background research in this field. Aim of the review was to evaluate the evidence and determine whether pollenspecific immunotherapy clinically improves symptoms of PFS in pollen-allergic patients.