Long-term efficacy of house dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis patients

Abstract

Objective:This study was aimed to compare the long-term effects of house dust mite (HDM) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in a cohort of Chinese pediatric and adult patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).Method:Total of 48 AR patients received standardized HDM-SCIT for 3 years, and they received 3 years of standardized dust mite-specific subcutaneous immunotherapy, followed by 2 years after treatment. Prior to treatment (baseline) and at the end of the 3-year and 5-year treatment periods, all patients were evaluated for total nasal symptom scores(TNSS),total combined score (TCS;symptoms(nasal+ocular)+daily medication score),and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire(RQLQ).Safety of HDM-SCIT was assessed according to adverse events reported.Result:Fifteen pediatric and 33 adult AR patients completed the study.HDM-SCIT significantly improved symptoms and RQLQ scores at the 3 rd year and 5th year in both children and adults. Superior efficacy was observed at the 3-year and 5-year timepoints in children compared to adults. The safety of HDM-SCIT was comparable in children and adults with AR.Conclusion:A 3-year course of HDM-SCIT is an effective, safe and sustainable long-term treatment in both pediatric patients and adults with AR, although children appear to achieve better long-term efficacy compared to the adults.