Allergies, Author Interviews, Immunotherapy / 14.03.2016
New Protocol Uses Fewer Allergy Shots For Hay Fever Control
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Stacy L. Rosenberg, MD
UPMC Montefiore Allergy and Immunology Fellow
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Dr. Rosenberg: Allergy shots or allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is an effective therapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (hay fever). Low adherence has been a significant barrier, whereas rush immunotherapy to environmental allergens provides rapid build-up and offers quicker efficacy, which may improve adherence. However, there have been concerns for increased risk of systemic reactions with rush protocols. We describe a new protocol for modified rush AIT that offers quicker build-up towards a maintenance dose with improved safety and lower risk of systemic reactions. We also hypothesize that there are specific characteristics that distinguish patients who develop systemic reactions in the setting of modified environmental rush immunotherapy (MERIT).
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Dr. Rosenberg: Overall, MERIT has a good safety profile. A subset of patients did develop systemic reactions, which were mild. Lower BMI was associated with systemic reactions and there was a trend between history of urticaria (hives) and younger age with development of systemic reactions. Significantly more patients with systemic reactions had allergen extracts containing cat, dust mite, and weed pollen. Neither gender, asthma, nor anaphylaxis history were associated with an increased risk of systemic reactions.
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