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Selection of allergen extract for immunotherapy in polysensitized allergic rhinitis patients
Elizabeth García1,2, Juan-Camilo Ardila1, Nardey Crespo3,4
1Otolaryngology & Allergology Research Groups, "Unidad Médico Quirúrgica de Otorrinolaringología (UNIMEQ-ORL)", Bogotá, Colombia.
Abstract:
Aim: To evaluate the criteria used by allergists in selecting an immunotherapy extract (allergen immunotherapy [AIT]-extract) in rhinitis patients with polysensitization. Methods: First, a cross-sectional study was carried out by evaluating different factors that influence the medical choice of AIT-extract. Second, a literature review was performed by evaluating the diagnostic performance of atopy tests. Results: A total of 419 patients were included (84 children, 149 adolescents and 186 adults). Anamnesis, atopy tests and exposure to pets were the main factors for choosing the AIT extract. The sensitivity and specificity of atopy tests were high for Dermatophagoides spp., (>80%), moderate for pets (60%) and indeterminate for Blomia tropicalis. Conclusion: NCTs could be necessary for AIT-extract selection in polysensitized allergic rhinitis patients.
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