Abstract
Aim: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is indicated in IgE-mediated respiratory allergy. Recently, it has been reported that serum-specific IgE (sIgE) levels >10 kU/l may predict AIT efficacy in adults with allergic rhinitis. The aim of the present preliminary study was to investigate whether this cut-off could also be associated with perception of effective AIT in children with allergic asthma and/or rhinitis due to house dust mites (HDM). Methods: A total of 31 allergic children (17 males; mean age of 12.5 years) with levels of serum sIgE to HDM >10 kU/l were evaluated. Eight allergic children (five males; mean age of 13.4 years) with levels of serum sIgE to HDM 6 VAS. Severity of nasal symptoms was assessed by nasal VAS, and asthma control was evaluated by asthma control test; both were considered before and after AIT. Results: All children (but one) with sIgE >10 kU/l perceived AIT efficacy, whereas only one child with sIgE 10 kU/l (p <0.001 for both). Conclusion: Allergen-sIgE assessment before AIT prescription might represent a useful tool to individuate potential responders.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 29-33 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Immunotherapy |
Volume | 6 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2014 |
Keywords
- allergen immunotherapy
- allergic rhinitis
- asthma
- children
- responder
- serum-specific IgE
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Oncology
- Immunology