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Sublingual Immunotherapy as an Alternative to Induce Protection Against Acute Respiratory Infections
Published on: August 30, 2014
Sublingual immunotherapy: what have we learnt from the 'big trials'?
1Section of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College and Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK. s.durham@imperial.ac.uk
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|November 4, 2008
Summary
Sublingual immunotherapy effectively treats seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in adults. While promising for adults, its efficacy in children requires further investigation through ongoing trials.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Systematic reviews indicate sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is effective for adult allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Data regarding SLIT efficacy in pediatric populations is less conclusive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate three recent definitive trials of SLIT in adults.
- To assess one recent trial of SLIT in children.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for sublingual immunotherapy.
- Analysis of grass allergen tablets and sublingual drops.
- Inclusion of adult and pediatric participants.
Main Results:
- Two large RCTs confirmed efficacy of grass allergen tablets for adult seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- SLIT effects were dose- and time-dependent, well-tolerated, and effective in mono- and polysensitized adults.
- A pediatric trial using sublingual drops for hayfever yielded negative results, limiting generalizability.
Conclusions:
- Sublingual immunotherapy is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for adult seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Ongoing pediatric trials and long-term adult studies are needed to fully establish SLIT's therapeutic role.
