Short-term efficacy of nasal immunotherapy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of nasal immunotherapy in the management of allergic rhinitis. Sixteen patients (10 Female; 6 Male) aged 15-60 years (mean age--31.9) were selected on the bases of clinical history, skin prick tests and RAST positivity. Allergen extract is a "macronized" powder form (Allerkin), it was supplied by Laboratorio Farmaceutico Lofarma (Milano Italy) and administered for 12 months to 8 patients with perennial rhinitis (Dermatophagoides extract) and for 6 months to 8 patients with seasonal rhinitis (grass or Parietaria pollens extract). This treatment was carried out by self administration in two phases: the first one (3 months) consisted of administration of increasing doses; the second phase (maintenance period) was carried out 3 months in seasonal rhinitis and 9 months in perennial rhinitis. All the patients were evaluated before and after immunotherapy and scores from 0 to 3 were attributed according to the symptoms presented and need of drugs for symptomatic relief. Scores before and after immunotherapy were compared using the Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Ranks Test and a significant decrease was observed for every symptom in seasonal and perennial rhinitis (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this trial shows that nasal immunotherapy in powder form can be a valuable short-term option in patients with allergic rhinitis.