A new method of administration of topical nasal extracts. Immunoaerosol therapy

Topical nasal immunotherapy (TNI) is a therapeutic option in residual rhinitis. Adverse reactions are common with pollen extracts and often are related to the phenol and thimerosal conservatives. This study sought to determine the clinical effectiveness of two methods of administration of TNI. Twenty-eight patients with allergic perennial rhinitis treated for 2 years with parenteral semidepot immunotherapy were divided into two groups of 14 patients: group A receiving conventional aerosol nebulization (TNE), and group B, which received TNAI using a type F aerosol electrocompressor. Clinical response and tolerance to TNI were evaluated using scores for signs and symptoms. The conclusions were: Both group A and group B exhibited statistically significant differences between baseline and post-immunotherapy parameters (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the degree of improvement achieved in the two groups. The main advantages of TNAI were better tolerance of the D. pteronyssinus extracts, perhaps due to the elimination of conservatives, and the guarantee of correct administration of the dose and control of minimum reactions. For these reasons it is a viable therapeutic option in allergic perennial rhinitis previously treated for two years with parenteral semidepot immunotherapy.