Efficacy of specific immunotherapy in children with bronchial asthma, sensitised to dermatophagoides pteronyssinus

The aim of study was the evaluation of efficacy of specific immunotherapy using Alavac S HDM for 2-4 years in children with atopic bronchial asthma induced by Deramtophagoides pteronyssinus. The study was carried out in a group of 33 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 asthma and had a medical history typical for this disease. Diagnostic procedures including skin prick tests and estimation of specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus by Pharmacia-CAP system gave positive results. The efficacy of therapy was monitored by a clinical score of symptoms with 0-10-20-30 points, recording symptoms relating to intensity of dyspneaa, wheezing, cough, value of PEF and concomitant medications for example corticoids and beta-antagonists. In the study group, 31 children (94%) with asthma treated by specific immunotherapy (AlavacS HDM) improved. This was confirmed by a statistically significant difference. The results indicate that specific immunotherapy is effective in the treatment of asthma in children sesitized to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.