title: [Rush desensitization to respiratory allergens].
abstract: Rush desensitization was introduced in 1930 and has been renewed by the advent of standardized, freeze-dried allergens of known and constant quality. It consists of giving rapidly progressive doses of allergens, followed by further injections of maintenance doses. In spite of relatively numerous adverse reactions--but not more than with the conventional method using the same aqueous preparations in the same doses--rush desensitization has proved very useful by providing rapid protection. Its effectiveness against allergy to pollens has been demonstrated by a controlled clinical trial and by responses to challenge tests performed before and after treatment. A decrease in skin reactivity has been noted soon after the maintenance dose is reached. Rush desensitization is accompanied by very slight changes in specific IgE levels and by a moderate but statistically significant increase in specific IgG levels. This method constitutes a suitable alternative to conventional immunotherapy in a substantial number of cases and probably involves different immunoprotective mechanisms.
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens
vernacular_title: Désensibilisation accélérée aux pneumallergénes.