Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for the treatment of allergy to house dust mites (HDM) in adults with moderate/severe allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods: Patients sensitized to HDM were randomized to SCIT plus rescue medication (Group A, n = 38) or rescue medication alone (Group B, n = 18), and assessed at baseline and 2, 6 and 12 months. Results: At month 12, Group A presented significant improvement with respect to baseline as evaluated by a visual analogue scale at three concentrations of antigen (0.1, 1 and 10 IR/ml; p < 0.0001). Group A presented significant decreases in symptom scores after 2 months of treatment, which were maintained after 1 year. After 12 months of treatment, Group A showed rescue medication consumption reductions (p < 0.001) and quality of life improvements (p < 0.0001). SCIT elicited a strong immunological response and was well tolerated. Conclusion: SCIT is efficacious for HDM allergy in patients with AR, generating a strong immunological response. Trial Registration Number: EUCTR2009-018155-16-ES (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials).
Keywords: IgE; allergen immunotherapy; allergic rhinitis; house dust mites; subcutaneous immunotherapy.
Allergic rhinitis is a common disease that can be treated by exposing the patient to small quantities of the agents triggering the allergy. In this study, allergic patients were injected with extracts of house dust mites over a period of 12 months, and the status of the patient was evaluated at the initiation of treatment and at 2, 6 and 12 months. The study showed that the allergic rhinitis symptoms improved after only 2 months of treatment with the extract and were sustained after 1 year. Also, other medication to treat the rhinitis was reduced with the treatment, and quality of life improved. Overall, the study suggests that treatment with injections of extracts of house dust mites can help patients with allergic rhinitis.