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Updated: Jun 17, 2026
06:34
A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
Towards evidence-based medicine in specific grass pollen immunotherapy
M Calderon1, R Mösges, M Hellmich
1Imperial College-NHLI, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.
Allergy
|December 24, 2009
Summary
Grass pollen immunotherapy for allergic rhinoconjunctivitis involves choosing between subcutaneous (SCIT) and sublingual (SLIT) methods. Evidence-based analysis shows natural extract SLIT tablets offer a high level of evidence for adults and children.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (SAR) treatment often involves grass pollen immunotherapy.
- Physicians face choices between subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) with varying pharmaceutical and regulatory statuses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply an evidence-based medicine (EBM) approach to evaluate commercially available grass pollen immunotherapies.
- To compare SCIT and SLIT modalities based on study design, efficacy, quality of life, safety, and compliance.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library up to January 2009.
- Identified and analyzed 33 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials (RCTs) for various grass pollen immunotherapy formulations (natural extracts and allergoids) in adult and pediatric populations.
- Assessed trial design, populations, treatment parameters, efficacy, quality of life, safety, and compliance.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in trial design and quality was observed across and within SCIT and SLIT modalities.
- Multinational, rigorous trials of natural extract SLIT tablets demonstrated a high level of evidence for both adult and pediatric SAR.
- Limited published data on allergoid-based immunotherapy precluded a definitive assessment of its evidence level.
Conclusions:
- Natural extract SLIT tablets represent a well-supported option for grass pollen immunotherapy in seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
- Further research is needed to establish the evidence base for allergoid-based immunotherapies.
- Evidence-based selection of immunotherapy modalities is crucial for effective patient management.
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