Long-term efficacy and safety of dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy in
monosensitized and polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis
Abstract
Objective: The long-term efficacy of single-allergen-specific
immunotherapy in polysensitized allergic rhinitis (AR) subjects remains
uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and
safety of dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (SLIT) in monosensitized
and polysensitized children with AR. Methods: This prospective
study recruited 130 children with AR, divided into a monosensitization
group and a polysensitization group. Patients received standardized dust
mite SLIT for 3 years and were followed up for 5 years. Total nasal
symptom score (TNSS), symptom and medication score (SMS), visual
analogue scale (VAS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life
questionnaire (RQLQ) were assessed and compared between the two groups
at T0 (before treatment), T1 (1 year of SLIT), T2 (2 years of SLIT), T3
(end of SLIT) and T5 (2 years after the end of SCIT). Safety was
assessed through adverse events (AEs). Results: 51
monosensitized and 50 polysensitized children completed this study. At
the end of SCIT, 47 monosensitized and 46 polysensitized children were
effectively treated, respectively, with no significant difference (P
> 0.05). TNSS, SMS, VAS and RQLQ were significantly lower
in T1, T2, T3 and T5 in the two groups compared with T0 (P <
0.05). The differences in TNSS, SMS, VAS and RQLQ between the two groups
were not statistically significant at T1, T2, T3 and T4 (P
> 0.05), while the differences were significant at T5 (P
< 0.05). No serious AEs were reported. Conclusion:
Standardized dust mite SCIT has similarly beneficial long-term efficacy
and safety in monosensitized and polysensitized children.
Monosensitization children appear to receive more durable benefits.