Allergen-specific immunotherapy with pollen allergoids in the treatment ofhay fever in children

Abstract

Background. The research of effective methods of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) with good tolerability is important in children with allergic disorders. The aim of the study was to investigate effectiveness and safety of ASIT with pollen allergoids for hay fever treatment in children. Methods. 71 patients 5 to 17 years old with diseases caused by tree pollen sensitization: allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in 36 patients, rhinitis combined with pollen asthma in 17, combined with atopic dermatitis in 1, and pollen asthma in 17, were included in the study. 2 courses of subcutaneous ASIT out of flowering season were conducted in every child using commercially available pollen allergoids. ASIT effectiveness was assessed using 4-point scale where 4 points represents complete disease remission, and 1 point represents lack of effectiveness. Local and systemic side effects were registered as parameters of ASIT safety. Results. Total dose of allergen was 13 768 PNU after the 1st course of ASIT, and 12 700 PNU after the 2nd course. Effectiveness of the 1st course of ASIT was 4,0 points out of 4,0 and of the 2nd course - 4,0 points. Local side effects (infiltration larger than 25 mm, itching and oedema in injection site) in 19,7% patients and systemic side effects (allergic rhinitis exacerbation, urticaria) in 11,3% patients were stopped after allergoid dose adjustment. Conclusion. ASIT with pollen allergoids is effective for hay fever treatment in children. Children with bronchi al asthma are at higher risk for adverse events and need individual dose adjustment.