The effects of grass pollen allergoid immunotherapy on clinical and immunological parameters in children with allergic rhinitis

Allergoid immunotherapy is a new form of allergen immunotherapy allowing safe administration of high allergen doses. There is limited information on the effects of allergoid immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis. To investigate the immunological and clinical effects of allergoid immunotherapy in children with allergic rhinitis due to grass pollen allergy. Children with allergic rhinitis were assigned to allergoid immunotherapy (n = 27) or control (n = 26, no immunotherapy) groups. Children in the immunotherapy group received seven injections of grass pollen allergoid immunotherapy before grass pollen season and continued to receive maintenance immunotherapy for 27 months. All patients were offered a pharmacotherapy regimen to be used on demand during the pollen seasons. Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between the immunotherapy and control groups. The rhinoconjunctivitis symptom-medication score and asthma symptom score were lower in the immunotherapy group after 1 yr of maintenance immunotherapy (p < 0.01 for both). Skin test reactivity and nasal reactivity as determined by nasal provocation testing for grass pollen were significantly decreased after 1 yr of immunotherapy (p < 0.001 for both). The seasonal increase in bronchial reactivity and nasal lavage eosinophil cationic protein levels were prevented after the first year of immunotherapy (p < 0.05 for both). The seasonal increase in immunoglobulin (Ig)E decreased (p < 0.05) and grass-specific IgG, IgG(1) and IgG(4) increased significantly already at the end of the seven-injection build-up therapy (p < 0.001, for all). Interleukin (IL)-4 levels in the culture supernatants showed a steady decline from baseline at first and second year of immunotherapy (p < 0.001) but remained unchanged in the control group. Allergoid immunotherapy is an effective method in the treatment of grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis in children and prevents the seasonal increase in bronchial hyper-reactivity. Changes in specific IgE and IgG levels and decreased IL-4 production in peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture supernatants may account for the observed clinical effects.     

Efficacy of specific immunotherapy in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis,sensitized to grass pollen

The aim of this study was the evaluation of efficacy of the specific immunotherapy using Pollinex for 3 years before the period of pollen dust in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis induced by grass pollen. The study was carried out in a group of 40 children aged 5-18 years, from the Outpatient Department of Immunology at the National Research Institute of Mother and Child. The children demonstrated clinical symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis with conjunctivitis and had a medical history typical for this disease. Diagnostic procedures including skin prick tests and estimation of specific IgE to grass pollen by Pharmacia - CAP system, gave positive results. The efficacy of therapy was monitored by a clinical score with 4-0 points, recording symptoms relating to intensity of rhinoedema, rhinorrhea, sneezing, itching, oedema, conjunctival congestion, pain and lacrimation. In the study group, 39 children (97%) with seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis treated by specific immunotherapy (Pollinex) improved. This was confirmed by a statistically significant difference. The results indicate that the specific immunotherapy is an effective treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis with conjunctivitis in children sensitized to grass pollen.     

Leukocyte histamine release and humoral changes during oral and subcutaneous hyposensitization of grass pollen allergic children

Thirty-one children with seasonal hay fever, sensitive to rye grass by skin test, RAST, and leukocyte histamine release, received preseasonal hyposensitization with a rye grass pollen extract either subcutaneously (cumulative dose 40,000 PNU) or orally (cumulative dose 400,000 PNU). While there was a significant (p less than 0.005) increase in specific serum IgG-antibodies and a decrease (p less than 0.005) of leukocyte sensitivity in the subcutaneously treated group, oral treatment with an aqueous pollen extract could not be demonstrated to be immunologically effective.     

House dust mite allergy

To study efficacy of a purified and biologically standardized house dust mite extract 66 allergic children were investigated. 26 patients on immunotherapy and 21 controls with symptomatic treatment only finished the study. A significant reduction of the skin reactivity associated with an increase of allergen specific IgG-antibodies was observed. However, no significant differences were found correlating the results of inhalative provocation tests, specific IgE antibodies and symptom scores. The immunotherapy with house dust mite extracts needs further evaluation.     

屋尘螨皮下特异性免疫治疗的哮喘患儿肺功能及免疫学动态变化

目的：动态观察屋尘螨变应原皮下特异性免疫治疗对哮喘患儿的肺功能和免疫学影响。方法：屋尘螨过敏的轻中度哮喘患儿32例,分成治疗组(n=15)和对照组(n=17)。治疗组吸入糖皮质激素的同时加用屋尘螨变应原皮下特异性免疫治疗,对照组仅予吸入糖皮质激素治疗。检测治疗前、治疗后3月、6月、12月、18月、24月肺通气功能,观察治疗前、治疗后12月及24月哮喘发作次数并测定血清总IgE、屋尘螨特异性IgE、屋尘螨特异性IgG4、嗜酸细胞阳离子蛋白（ECP）、IL-10、IL-4及IFN-γ的变化。结果：治疗组患儿治疗后肺通气功能各项参数稳定在正常或接近正常水平;无哮喘急性发作病例的百分率治疗后高于治疗前,随治疗时间的延长而增加（P<0.05）;治疗后屋尘螨特异性IgG4高于治疗前,随着治疗时间延长而增加（P<0.01）;治疗后血清总IgE、屋尘螨特异性IgE、ECP、IL-10、IL-4、IFN-γ水平与治疗前比较,差异无统计学意义。对照组患儿治疗前后各项指标比较,差异均无统计学意义。结论：屋尘螨过敏的轻中度哮喘患儿经屋尘螨变应原皮下特异性免疫治疗2年后,肺通气功能保持正常或接近正常,无哮喘急性发作病例增加,可能与血清屋尘螨特异性IgG4浓度增高有关。［中国当代儿科杂志,2010,12（9）：715-719］     

Allergic factors associated with the development of asthma and the influence of cetirizine in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial: First results of ETA®

There is a common progression known as the allergic march from atopic dermatitis to allergic asthma. Cetirizine has several antiallergic properties that suggest a potential effect on the development of airway inflammation and asthma in infants with atopic dermatitis. Methods. Over a two year period, 817 infants aged one to two years who suffered from atopic dermatitis and with a history of atopic disease in a parent or sibling were included in the ETAC^® (Early Treatment of the Atopic Child) trial, a multi-country, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The infants were treated for 18 months with either cetirizine (0.25mg/ kg b.i.d.) or placebo. The number of infants who developed asthma was compared between the two groups. Clinical and biological assessments including analysis of total and specific IgE antibodies were performed. Results. In the placebo group, the relative risk (RR) for developing asthma was elevated in patients with a raised level of total IgE (≥ 30 kU/I) or specific IgE (≥ 0.35 kUA/I) for grass pollen, house dust mite or cat dander (RR between 1.4 and 1.7). Compared to placebo, cetirizine significantly reduced the incidence of asthma for patients sensitised to grass pollen (RR = 0.5) or to house dust mite (RR = 0.6). However, in the population that included all infants with normal and elevated total or specific IgE (intention-to-treat - ITT), there was no difference between the numbers of infants developing asthma while receiving cetirizine or placebo. The adverse events profile was similar in the two treatment groups. Discussion. Raised total IgE level and raised specific IgE levels to grass pollen, house dust mite or cat dander were predictive of subsequent asthma. Cetirizine halved the number of patients developing asthma in the subgroups sensitised to grass pollen or house dust mite (i.e. 20% of the study population). In view of the proven safety of the drug, we propose this treatment as a primary pharmacological intervention strategy to prevent the development of asthma in specifically sensitised infants with atopic dermatitis.     

Spezifische Immuntherapie im Kindesalter

Background

Subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) immunotherapy are the two routes for administering allergen-specific immunotherapy for inhalative allergens.

Immunotherapy

The only route of administration for children with bee or wasp venom allergy is SCIT and it is also the primary route of administration for children with asthmatic complaints. Both SCIT and SLIT were shown to be effective in controlling symptoms and in reducing rescue medication in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis sensitized to grass pollens. There is evidence from clinical trials that SLIT with specific grass pollen allergens administered as tablets (e.g. Grazax and Oralair) or drops (Infecto-SLIT forte) is effective and safe in children. A recently published meta-analysis compared both forms of administration and showed a trend toward favoring SCIT for symptom and medication scores. Moreover, local adverse events after SLIT, such as oral pruritus, burning sensation, lip or tongue swelling and gastrointestinal symptoms are pronounced during the first months of administration, which might reduce patient compliance and adherence to specific immunotherapy. Finally, SCIT but not SLIT showed a reduced risk of developing asthma and new sensitization during treatment and 7 years after discontinuation of therapy indicating long-term preventive effects of SCIT.

Conclusions

Although there is evidence of effectiveness of both SCIT and SLIT with grass pollen extracts in patients with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, SCIT is the primary mode of administration in children. Further research is needed to establish the clinical effectiveness of SCIT versus SLIT in a head-to-head trial in children.     

Efficacy of pollen immunotherapy in seasonal allergic rhinitis

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of subcutaneous pollen immunotherapy has been documented in published double-blind, placebo-controlled studies related to treatment of seasonal allergic rhinitis. In the present study, subjective (symptom scores) and objective (nasal peak inspiratory flow, nasal smear, nasal biopsy) parameters were used to study the efficacy of pollen immunotherapy. METHODS: Forty-eight patients (32 male), mean +/- SE age 13.6 +/- 2.8 years allergic to grass-pollen participated in the present study. Patients were divided into three groups: group I, 24 patients who did not receive pollen immunotherapy; group II, 12 patients who received the build-up phase of pollen immunotherapy; and group III, 12 patients who had just finished pollen immunotherapy. With regard to objective and subjective parameters these three groups were compared. RESULTS: When group I was compared to groups II and III, the patients who had not received any immunotherapy were found to have a high daytime nasal symptoms score (P < 0.01), high daytime eye symptoms score(P < 0.01) and high night-time symptoms score (P < 0.01). In objective parameters, it was found that group I had low nasal peak inspiratory flow (P < 0.05), and a high eosinophil count in nasal smears (P < 0.05) and peripheral blood (P < 0.05). It was also demonstrated that there was an increased eosinophil infiltration (P < 0.01) and mast cell infiltration (P < 0.05) in nasal biopsy in group I. There was no significant difference between group II and group III according to these results (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Immunotherapy leads to a better clinical and histopathological prognosis in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis.     

Advantages of hyposensitization with a high dose of allergoid in pollen allergy

Grass and rye pollen sensitive children were hyposensitized with glutaraldehyde-modified, tyrosine-adsorbed grass and rye allergoid. We evaluated the clinical efficacy and immunological changes associated with the administration of 3100 NOON-Units (NU) with 3 injections in 15 patients (group A) and 9100 NU with 6 injections in 13 patients (group B) preseasonally. No systemic side effects during therapy were observed. In patient's assessments, a clinical improvement was reported; however, group B achieved better symptom and medication scores. The latter group obtained slightly higher specific IgG levels than group A after two seasons of treatment, whereas the co-seasonal increase of specific IgE was higher in group A. Hyposensitization with grass and rye allergoid is a safe therapy, a better clinical and immunological effect being observed in a high dose regimen.     

Accelerated desensitization with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in severe asthmatic children. Evaluation after one year of immunotherapy

An homogeneous group of 17 children with severe chronic asthma were given a rush immunotherapy with standardized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extracts. Maintenance dose was injected monthly for one year. Symptom and medication scores as well as functional (lung function tests, specific nasal challenges), immunologic and allergic parameters (skin tests, total serum IgE, specific IgE and IgG4) were recorded before and at the end of the study. Rush immunotherapy was well tolerated in spite of some moderate systemic adverse reactions. Symptom and medication scores improved in 10 children. Nasal and skin sensitivity decreased in respectively 3 and 7 children. However there was no correlation between the improvement of quality of life and laboratory results. This study shows that specific immunotherapy is possible in children with severe asthma. Its efficacy should be assessed by symptom and medication scores.     

Marche allergique chez l’enfant,de la rhinite à l’asthme : prise en charge,place de la désensibilisation

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common IgE dependent disorder. AR is maybe one of the steps of the allergic march, which starts with atopic dermatitis and food allergy and includes atopic asthma. AR and asthma are frequently associated. AR is frequently under-diagnosed and undertreated although it affects quality of life and school performance. Management of AR depends on its severity and will associate environmental control (best guided by environmental investigation and skin testing of specific IgE antibodies), pharmacotherapy (with antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids as first line drugs). At present allergen immunotherapy is considered in patients with severe AR, insufficiently controlled by pharmacotherapy and who demonstrate specific IgE antibodies to relevant allergens. Sublingual immunotherapy is well tolerated. Only immunotherapy with the right allergens has the potential to alter the natural history of the allergic march, by preventing the development of new allergen sensitizations and reducing the risk for the subsequent development of asthma. This fact might extend the indications of specific allergen immunotherapy. Patients (and parents) education is of utmost importance in the management of allergic disorders.     

The prevalence of peanut sensitization and the association to pollen sensitization in a cohort of unselected adolescents – The Odense Adolescence Cohort Study on Atopic Diseases and Dermatitis (TOACS)

In the last decade an increased occurrence of peanut hypersensitivity and severe anaphylactic reactions to peanut have been reported. However, few prevalence studies have been performed in unselected populations. This study evaluated the point prevalence of peanut hypersensitivity in Danish adolescents. The point prevalence of peanut allergy confirmed by oral challenge was estimated to 0.5%. The number of adolescents sensitized to peanut by specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) (CAP FEIA) and skin prick test (SPT) were higher (5.8% resp. 3.4%). In adolescents without clinically relevant peanut sensitization most cases were sensitized to grass pollen and the IgE class for grass was higher than for peanut. A correlation between peanut and pollen (grass) sensitization is therefore plausible. Before a positive SPT or specific IgE measurement to peanut is considered clinically relevant in a patient, the case history should be evaluated together with examination for pollen sensitization.     

Lupine inhalation induced asthma in a child

The ingestion of lupine seed flour has been reported as a cause of allergic reactions. There is some evidence of its allergenic potential after inhalation. An 8-year-old asthmatic child, who was allergic to peanut, was studied in our clinic with the suspicion of an adverse drug reaction due to salbutamol. He suffered an asthma attack while playing with his brother, who had been eating lupine seed as snack; surprisingly, the asthma attack worsened with salbutamol. The skin tests showed a positive result with Lupinus albus extract, peanut, garbanzo bean, navy bean, pea, green bean, lentil, soy, Olea europea pollen, grass pollen and Plantago lanceolata pollen. The prick-by-prick tests both from dried seeds and those preserved in salt and water were strongly positive. Serum specific IgE antibodies were positive to Lupine albus (1.43 kU/l), peanut (4.32 kU/l), soy (2.15 kU/l), lentil (3.12 kU/l) and garbanzo (0.7 kU/l). After informed consent salbutamol was well tolerated but the patient had asthma in 5 min of manipulation of the lupine seeds. In our case, reactivity with other legumes was also demonstrated, but only peanut allergy was relevant because boiled legumes were tolerated. It is also notorious that anamnesis is so important to assess the true etiological agents of asthma.     

Clinical and immunologic effects of sublingual immunotherapy in asthmatic children sensitized to mites: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Immunotherapy through oral routes is thought to be a valuable therapeutic option for asthma. The clinical and immunologic effects of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in children with asthma caused by mites were evaluated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study for 6 months. Patients (aged 6-12 yr) with mild-to-moderate asthma, with single sensitization to mite allergen, received either SLIT or placebo with a standardized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (D.p.)/D. farinae (D.f.) 50/50 extract. The cumulative dose was around 41824 IR, equivalent to 1.7 mg of D.p. and 3.0 mg of D.f. allergen. Symptom and medication scores were assessed throughout the study. Serum total immunoglobulin (Ig)E, eosinophil count, eosinophil cationic protein, specific IgE, specific IgG4, and skin sensitivity were evaluated before starting the treatment and after the treatment period. Twenty patients completed the study. At the beginning of the treatment, no differences were observed between the groups for symptom and medication scores, skin sensitivity, or immunologic parameters. After 6 months of treatment, there was a significant difference in nighttime asthma symptom scores and specific IgG4 (p < 0.05) in the SLIT group compared with the placebo group. Daytime symptom and medication scores, total IgE, eosinophil count, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, and mean evening peak expiratory flow rate reached significant differences in the SLIT group during the treatment period (p < 0.05). No severe adverse effects were reported. Our results revealed that treatment for 6 months with SLIT is clinically effective in decreasing asthmatic symptoms and medication use in children with mild-to-moderate asthma because of mite sensitivity. The clinical usefulness of this form of immunotherapy and the mechanism underlying its immunologic effects deserve further studies.     

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目的 探讨特异性免疫治疗变应性哮喘合并鼻炎的效果,分析特异性免疫治疗期间病情反复的原因。方法 将上海交通大学医学院附属新华医院2006年1月至2010年12月期间收治的102例变应性哮喘合并鼻炎的患儿,分为治疗组和对照组,治疗组78例在哮喘规范化防治基础上联合粉尘螨注射液特异性免疫治疗,而对照组24例以吸入激素等规范化防治为主。评价两组患儿治疗6个月、1年、2年及治疗结束后随访1年哮喘最大呼气流量(PEF)、汉化版儿童哮喘控制测试量表(Ch-CACT)结果和变应性鼻炎的临床症状评分及视觉模拟评分(VAS),比较两组患儿治疗第2年及治疗结束后随访1年哮喘急性发作次数和呼吸道感染情况,并分析特异性免疫治疗期间病情反复的原因。结果 治疗第2年及治疗结束后随访1年哮喘急性发作次数和呼吸道感染次数均较对照组减少,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.01)。治疗组治疗2年及治疗结束后随访1年哮喘PEF测定结果优于对照组,治疗结束后随访1年Ch-CACT较对照组高,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗6个月、1年、2年及治疗结束后随访1年治疗组变应性鼻炎的临床症状评分和VAS评分优于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。特异性免疫治疗期间导致病情反复的常见原因为气候因素、呼吸道感染、合并副鼻窦炎及不适当的居室清扫等。结论 特异性免疫治疗能改善哮喘患儿的PEF及Ch-CACT评分,能明显改善变应性鼻炎的临床症状及VAS评分,是一种防治变应性哮喘合并鼻炎持久有效的方法。气候因素、呼吸道感染及合并副鼻窦炎是导致特异性免疫治疗期间病情反复的主要原因。     

标准化屋尘螨变应原特异性免疫治疗对儿童变应性鼻炎合并哮喘的临床疗效

目的 评估标准化屋尘螨变应原特异性免疫治疗(specific immunotherapy,SIT)对儿童变应性鼻炎合并哮喘的临床疗效.方法 选择我院42例接受标准化屋尘螨SIT的变应性鼻炎合并哮喘儿童为研究对象.所有患儿治疗前、治疗1年后均进行变应原皮肤点刺试验、测定血清屋尘螨和粉尘螨特异性IgE水平、进行肺功能测定和自觉症状评分.结果 治疗1年后屋尘螨和粉尘螨的皮肤指数和自觉症状评分均较治疗前显著降低(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),而治疗前后屋尘螨和粉尘螨特异性IgE水平、肺功能(肺活量、第1秒用力呼气量、最大呼气中段流量)均无明显变化(P＞0.05).结论 变应性鼻炎合并哮喘儿童给予SIT1年后其皮肤敏感性显著改善,临床症状明显好转,但对气道炎症的影响有待于进一步的观察.     

Seasonal changes of proapoptotic soluble Fas ligand level in allergic rhinitis combined with asthma

The function of apoptosis is to eliminate unnecessary or dangerous cells. The balance between production and death is important in the control of cell numbers within physiological ranges. Cells involved in allergic reactions may have altered apoptosis. The aim of this study was to examine the seasonal changes of programmed cell death in children with pollen allergy. We measured serum levels of soluble Fas (sFas) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL), and examined whether there was any correlation between soluble apoptosis markers and development of asthma and or rhinitis in children with pollen allergy. We examined two groups of patients with ragweed pollen allergy. The first group consisted of 17 children with 'rhinitis only'. The second group consisted of 16 children with 'asthma + rhinitis'. For seasonal analysis we pooled the two groups and termed this the 'ragweed sensitive' group (n = 33, 5-18 yr, 25 boys, eight girls). Measurements (sFas and sFasL) were taken during the ragweed pollen allergy season, while control measurements were performed during the symptom-free period. There was no difference in sFas levels measured during and after [1941 +/- 68, 1963 +/- 83 pg/ml (mean+/-s.e.m, respectively)] the pollen season in the 'ragweed sensitive' group. The sFasL level showed seasonal change, which was significantly higher (p = 0.0086) in the symptomatic period compared to the symptom-free state (99 +/- 13 and 53 +/- 16 pg/ml, respectively). There was a difference between the 'rhinitis only' and the 'asthma + rhinitis' groups in the measured parameters of apoptosis. Children having allergic rhinitis combined with asthma had a significantly (p = 0.03) higher sFas level in the symptom-free state than the 'rhinitis only' group did (2115 +/- 156 and 1820 +/- 52 pg/ml, respectively). During the allergic symptom state the sFasL level of the 'asthma + rhinitis' group was significantly higher (p = 0.025) than that of the 'rhinitis only' group (125 +/- 20 and 75 +/- 14 pg/ml, respectively). In conclusion, the increased level of sFasL during the pollen season may signal its role in the pathogenesis of allergic airway diseases. There was no seasonal change in sFas levels in the examined ragweed allergic group, however in the symptomatic period we observed a diminished level of antiapoptotic factor (sFas) and an elevated level of proapoptotic factor (sFasL) if there was a combined disease with pollen allergic asthma. We suggest that there is a deviation in the apoptotic reaction in children that may increase the seasonal allergic inflammation.     

Relation between specific IgE antibodies to grass pollens and to wheat,rye, soya in children with allergic disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the hypersensitivity to grass pollens (gxl) and to wheat (f4), rye ff5) and soya (fl 4) in children with allergic disease. Specific IgE was determined by the FEIA CAP- System. Hypersensitivity was expressed in classes from 1 to 6. Specific IgE antibodies against grass (gxl) in 944 children with allergic disease, aged from 6 months to 18 years were detected. At the same time in 532 of these children - specific IgE to wheat and rye and in 122 children specific IgE to soya were also estimated. We detected very high correlation between the hypersensitivity to grass and the presence of specific IgE to wheat, rye (r=0.96, p<0.01) and soya (r=0.90, p<0.05).     

Urinary leukotriene E4 levels in children with allergic rhinitis treated with specific immunotherapy and anti-IgE (Omalizumab)

Recently, we were able to demonstrate that Omalizumab, a humanized monoclonal anti-IgE antibody, reduces in vitro leukotriene (LT) release of peripheral leukocytes stimulated with allergen in children with allergic rhinitis undergoing allergen immunotherapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of anti-IgE in combination with specific immunotherapy (SIT) on urinary leukotriene E₄ (LTE₄) levels. Children and adolescents with sensitization to birch and grass pollens and suffering from seasonal allergic rhinitis were included in a phase III, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study. Within the four-arm study, patients were randomized to receive SIT for either birch or grass pollen and to receive either subcutaneous anti-IgE or placebo for 24 weeks during the pollen season. From a total population of 225 children, we collected three urine samples in a subgroup of 19 children [n = 12 boys (63%); mean age 11.8 years; range 7.2–17.5 years; Group A (n = 10): SIT (grass or birch) + anti-IgE; Group B (n = 9): SIT (grass or birch) + placebo]. Urine samples were collected before, during and at the end of treatment. Endogenous urinary LTE₄ was separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and determined by enzyme immunoassay with a specific antibody. No differences in urinary LTE₄ concentrations were observed between the anti-IgE and the placebo groups before (A: 35.2; B: 36.5 nmol/mol creatinine), during (A: 27.0; B: 29.3) and after treatment (A: 28.9; B: 26.5 nmol/mol creatinine). We conclude that urinary LTE₄ levels are not helpful in monitoring patients treated with anti-IgE and SIT.     

Spezifische Immuntherapie (SIT, Hyposensibilisierung) im Kindesalter

Allergen-specific immunotherapy

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT: specific immunotherapy, hyposensizitation) represents at present the single therapeutic entity for allergic disease, which reduces symptom burden and demonstrates disease-modifying effects.

Indications

In children with allergic rhinitis/rhinoconjunctivitis, allergic asthma, and systemic reactions to hymenoptera stings, SIT has proven efficacy. The use of SIT in children with atopic dermatitis and oral allergy syndrome is under discussion. Prerequisites for the initiation of SIT are the detection of IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies or evidence of sensitization with the skin prick test to clinically relevant allergens, the availability of allergen extracts with proven efficacy for the underlying allergic disease, and the impossibility of allergen avoidance.

Contraindications

Contraindications for SIT are partially or fully uncontrolled asthma [FEV₁ <?70?% (FEV₁: forced expiratory volume in 1 s)], severe acute autoimmune disorders, severe immunodeficencies, acute inflammatory syndromes, malignancies, treatment with β-blockers and ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and cardiovascular diseases with increased risk of adverse events during administration of epinephrine.