Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for allergies to Alternaria alternata in children.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The safety and efficacy of specific immunotherapy for mold allergy are not known in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE:

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy with a standardized allergen extract in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-year prospective study of patients who were allergic to only Alternaria alternata.

METHODS:

Fifty children and adolescents (25 girls; 5-18 years of age) with A alternata-induced seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma were randomly assigned to groups given treatment (Novo-Helisen Depot, A alternata 100%) or placebo. The primary end point was the combined symptom medication score. Secondary end points included safety, quality of life, and sensitivity to allergen-specific nasal challenge.

RESULTS:

Forty-five children completed the 3-year study. Although there was no significant change in year 1, the combined symptom medication score decreased in years 2 and 3 of the study (by 38.7% and 63.5%, respectively; P < .001 for each). The reduction in symptoms was associated with a significant improvement in quality of life (P < .05) and decrease in sensitivity after allergen-specific nasal challenge. Side effects were observed in 7 patients; the most common (edema at the site of injection) occurred after 11 injections.

CONCLUSIONS:

Allergen-specific immunotherapy with standardized A alternata extract reduces symptoms of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in children and adolescents without serious side effects.

• Authors: Piotr Kuna, Jadwiga Kaczmarek, Maciej Kupczyk
• Journal: The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol) Vol. 127 Issue 2 Pg. 502-508.e1-6 (Feb 2011) ISSN: 1097-6825 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21281874 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2011 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Adolescent
• Alternaria (immunology)
• Asthma (therapy)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Conjunctivitis, Allergic (therapy)
• Desensitization, Immunologic (adverse effects)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity (immunology, psychology, therapy)
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Quality of Life
• Rhinitis (therapy)