Indications for allergen immunotherapy during pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Allergy and Clinical Immunology
• Respiratory Medicine

Background:

• Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a recognized treatment for allergic conditions.
• Patients with perennial rhinitis, moderate to severe asthma, or medication intolerance benefit from AIT.
• AIT's role in managing allergic diseases, including during pregnancy, warrants further exploration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of allergen immunotherapy in patients with perennial rhinitis and asthma.
• To assess the utility of AIT in pregnant patients for managing allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• To highlight AIT's role in reducing airway hyperresponsiveness and inflammation.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews existing evidence on allergen immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• Safety and efficacy data for AIT in pregnant and non-pregnant patients are analyzed.
• Mechanisms of AIT in reducing airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness are discussed.

Main Results:

• Allergen immunotherapy is effective for allergic rhinitis and moderate to severe asthma.
• AIT is safe for both mother and fetus during pregnancy, with dose modification recommended.
• AIT reduces airway hyperresponsiveness and late-phase airway responses, decreasing inflammation and chronic symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Allergen immunotherapy is a valuable treatment option for allergic rhinitis and asthma.
• AIT can be safely continued during pregnancy, offering benefits for maternal and fetal health.
• Immunotherapy plays a crucial role in managing severe allergic diseases by targeting underlying airway inflammation.