Specific allergen immunotherapy use in 2012: an Irish Paediatric Surveillance Unit (IPSU) study

Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is a disease modifying treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR), with its benefits most evident in those who are refractory to medical treatment. It is used less frequently in UK than Europe/US. No data exist on SIT use in Ireland. We audited paediatric practice to evaluate patient selection, SIT modalities and adverse events (A.E.). A 9 item questionnaire was sent to Irish paediatricians, identified via the Irish Paediatric Surveillance Unit (IPSU) mailing list. 58 children have undertaken SIT (Subcutaneous SCIT =3, Sublingual = 55). This represents 0.01% of Irish children estimated to have AR. 33 (56%) had asthma; 18 (55%) had perennial asthma, 7 (21%) seasonal asthma. Adverse events occurred in 5 cases (8.6%). Three treatments (3-5%) were discontinued as a result. SIT is available across Ireland, though only extremely small numbers of children with AR are being treated yet. Co-morbid asthma is frequent and does not increase adverse events. This audit will raise awareness of SIT use for AR in Ireland.