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Practices in cat and dog immunotherapy among allergists
L C Grammer1, M A Shaughnessy, J J Shaughnessy
1Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois 60611.
New England and Regional Allergy Proceedings
|July 1, 1987
Summary
Allergists
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Practices and philosophies regarding immunotherapy vary among allergists.
- Cat and dog epidermal immunotherapy (CDI) and pollen immunotherapy (PI) are common treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the practices and philosophies of different allergist groups regarding CDI and PI.
- To identify differences in CDI administration based on allergist qualifications and affiliations.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to four groups of allergists: board-certified with academic affiliation (A), board-certified without academic affiliation (B), non-board certified (NB), and previous trainees (PT).
- The survey queried practices and philosophies concerning CDI and PI.
- Data on patient numbers and perceived efficacy were collected.
Main Results:
- All groups showed similar practices for PI.
- Significant differences emerged in CDI practices between academic/trainee groups (A, PT) and non-academic/non-certified groups (B, NB).
- Groups B and NB were more likely to administer CDI to patients unwilling to rehome pets, and reported higher patient numbers and perceived efficacy for CDI compared to groups A and PT.
Conclusions:
- Allergist qualifications and affiliations influence decisions regarding cat and dog epidermal immunotherapy.
- Non-board certified and non-academically affiliated allergists appear more willing to prescribe CDI, particularly in challenging pet-owner situations.
- Perceived efficacy of CDI may also differ based on allergist background.