Sublingual immunotherapy in children with allergic polysensitization.

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Pediatric Allergy
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Polysensitization is common in allergic children, complicating immunotherapy decisions.
• Allergen-specific immunotherapy aims to reduce allergic responses to specific allergens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of 1-year sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in Italian children with polysensitization and allergic rhinitis/asthma.

Main Methods:

• An open study involving 51 polysensitized children (mean age 11.8 years) treated with SLIT for 1 year.
• Evaluated changes in sensitization, allergic rhinitis/asthma symptoms, and medication use from baseline to 1 year.
• Monitored adverse events associated with SLIT.

Main Results:

• SLIT significantly reduced the number of sensitizations (p = 0.018).
• Significant improvements were observed in allergic rhinitis classification, severity, and ocular, nasal, and bronchial symptoms (p < 0.01).
• Drug use decreased significantly (p < 0.01), and no systemic reactions occurred.

Conclusions:

• Polysensitization does not preclude the use of SLIT in children.
• One year of SLIT is clinically effective and safe for managing allergic conditions in polysensitized children.