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.