ASCIA‐P46: REVIEW OF IMMUNOTHERAPY PATIENTS IN A PRIVATE CLINIC

Abstract

Specific Immunotherapy is a treatment offered to patients with severe allergic rhinoconjunctivitis or with insect venom hypersensitivity. We collated patients’ information from our computerised database over January 2012 to June 2016. Particular interests included patient demographic, allergen prescribed, method of delivery, compliance and completion rate of immunotherapy. A total of 311 patients were prescribed immunotherapy. 276 patients underwent subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and 44 patients received sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Approximately 50% of patients were administered SCIT comprising of a single injection with predominantly a single allergen. The commonest therapies instigated for single allergen were for dust mite 57% and bee venom 9%. The majority of patients (81%) who received 2 injections were for dust mite and grass pollen. As part of their grass pollen immunotherapy, up to 90% of patients also had subtropical grass pollen in their kit. At the conclusion of the study, data was again collated with regards to looking at patient completion rate. This finalisation of data interestingly coincided with the delay and disruption of immunotherapy supply in Australia. The data from the SCIT arm showed 15% of patients completed the course within the recommended time period, 28% ceased immunotherapy with no reasons given and 29% ceased due to delay in product availability. In the SLIT group 7% completed their course, 11% ceased with no reasons cited and 6% ceased due to delay in product availability. This completion rate of specific immunotherapy is compared to current available literature.