Provocation-neutralization: a two-part study. Part II. Subcutaneous neutralization therapy: a multi-center study

Presented is a triple-blind crossover study that investigates the efficacy of subcutaneous neutralization food hypersensitivity therapy. Seven physicians and thirty-three patients from various parts of the country participated. Each patient underwent three 2-week treatment sessions, with 1 week off treatment between each session. During each treatment session, one injection a day was given. The injection consisted of a placebo for one 2-week session, and the active allergen during the other two sessions. The active dose was determined by earlier intracutaneous provocative food testing. The diet during the study period was not varied. Medication-symptom diaries were maintained and treatment result evaluations for both individual complaints and overall results were detailed on a standard form at the end of each treatment session. While the number of foods treated per patient varied from 1 to 13, the majority were treated with 3 to 5 foods. Treatment with the active medication was more efficacious than with placebo. A few patients' symptoms were aggravated with the active medication. This indicates a correct diagnosis, but incorrect treatment dose. In the clinical setting such adverse response should be reversed. Overall, neutralization subcutaneous treatment should be beneficial approximately 75% of the time, and further enhanced by supplemental diet manipulation.