[Comparative study on cluster and conventional immunotherapy in patients with allergic rhinitis]

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Immunotherapy
• Otorhinolaryngology

Background:

• Persistent allergic rhinitis significantly impacts patient quality of life.
• Dust mites are a common allergen triggering allergic rhinitis.
• Conventional subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) has limitations in efficacy and treatment duration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and safety of cluster immunotherapy versus conventional immunotherapy for allergic rhinitis caused by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus.
• To evaluate the speed of therapeutic effect and patient-reported outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 110 patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.
• Patients received either conventional SCIT (Group A) or cluster SCIT (Group B) using Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract.
• Nasal symptom scores, medication use, and Mini Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini RQLQ) were assessed over 2 years.

Main Results:

• Both immunotherapy schedules significantly reduced symptom scores and improved quality of life (P < 0.05).
• Cluster immunotherapy showed significantly greater improvements in Mini RQLQ and nasal symptom scores compared to conventional SCIT at 7 weeks and 2 years (P < 0.05).
• The clinical efficiency rate was higher in the cluster group (86.5%-94.2%) than the conventional group (60.0%-80.0%), with no significant difference in adverse reaction incidence.

Conclusions:

• Cluster immunotherapy is a safe and more effective treatment for dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis.
• Cluster immunotherapy provides a faster onset of action and superior long-term outcomes compared to conventional SCIT.
• This approach offers a promising alternative for managing persistent allergic rhinitis.