Clinical practice: Allergen-specific immunotherapy in children: facts and FAQs

Eur J Pediatr. 2011 Feb;170(2):137-48. doi: 10.1007/s00431-010-1348-7. Epub 2010 Dec 10.

Abstract

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) in its various application forms represents the main treatment approach of IgE-mediated allergic diseases in adults and children. Despite this clear recommendation, many particularities of products, patient characteristics, and product availability in different countries hamper the use of allergen-specific immunotherapy in particular in children. The frequently asked questions by parents, patients, and physicians are the backbone of this review. Thus, the potentials and limitations of allergen-specific immunotherapy in children and adolescents will be highlighted. IgE-mediated allergic diseases are affecting about 20% of the population. They manifest commonly early in life, and hence, the use of SIT should be considered also early in the course of the disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Age Factors
  • Allergens / immunology*
  • Child
  • Desensitization, Immunologic*
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy*
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Allergens
  • Immunoglobulin E