Efficacy and perceived satisfaction of 3-year SLIT in children with allergic rhinitis and asthma: a pilot study
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Published on: December 20, 2024
Sara Manti1,2, Giulia Diletta Tropea3, Caterina Ledda4
1Department of Human Pathology in Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Insights
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) effectively improved symptoms and quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma over three years. The treatment demonstrated high adherence and patient satisfaction, highlighting its therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Immunotherapy Research
- Clinical Trial Analysis
Background:
- Limited data exists on the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in specific pediatric patient groups.
- Allergic rhinitis and asthma significantly impact children's quality of life and daily functioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and patient-reported satisfaction of a 3-year sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) course.
- To assess the impact of SLIT on symptoms, medication use, and quality of life in pediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective cohort study involving 153 children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma.
- Standardized questionnaires assessed perceived efficacy, rescue medication use, disease control, exacerbations, quality of life, and satisfaction.
- Data from 70 children who completed up to 3 years of SLIT were analyzed.
Main Results:
- 100% adherence to SLIT treatment was observed over the 3-year study period.
- Significant improvements were reported in allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms, quality of life, and school performance (p<0.01).
- A notable decrease in disease severity, rescue medication use, and sleep disturbances was recorded (p<0.01).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of 3-year SLIT efficacy and patient satisfaction in a pediatric cohort.
- High treatment adherence and significant clinical improvements underscore SLIT's value for managing pediatric allergic conditions.
- The findings support SLIT as a safe and effective long-term treatment option for children with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma.
Background:
Despite the presence of robust evidence, there is very limited data on the efficacy of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for selected patients. Accordingly, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and perceived satisfaction of a 3-year course of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in a paediatric population with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma.
Methods:
A pilot, monocentre, retrospective cohort study was performed. One hundred fifty-three children who fulfilled the criteria for allergic rhinitis and asthma and were either mono- or poly-sensitized were enrolled. A standardized questionnaire assessing perceived efficacy, use of rescue medication, disease control, number of exacerbations, quality of life, and perceived satisfaction was administered to each patient.
Results:
Seventy patients (49 males, 21 females; mean age, 14.3±1.9 years) were included in the final analysis. All 70 patients received SLIT for up to 3 years, with 100% adherence to the treatment throughout the study. Significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life were reported (p<0.01). There was also a significant decrease in disease severity, use of rescue medication, and sleep disturbances (p<0.01). Additionally, a significant improvement in school performance was also recorded (p<0.01). Of the enrolled patients, 60 out of 70 (85.7%) reported being very satisfied, 6 out of 70 (8.57%) were much satisfied, and 4 out of 60 (5.71%) were satisfied.
Conclusions:
We were the first to demonstrate the efficacy and perceived satisfaction of a 3-year SLIT in a paediatric population, with 100% treatment adherence throughout the study.
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