title: Immunotherapy for respiratory allergic diseases: indications, efficacy and monitoring.
abstract: The author reports a detailed analysis of the indications for Specific Immuno-Therapy (SIT) in allergic rhinitis and asthma. After pointing out the requirements for a correct clinical trial, the efficacy of SIT towards various allergenic agents is examined (pollen, mites, cat and dog danders, moulds). Clinical monitoring--by means of clinical diaries, symptom score, drug consumption, skin tests, challenge tests--and immunological monitoring--by means of measuring of IgE and IgG serum antibodies, mediator and cytokine release, lymphocyte study, etc.--are then discussed. Immunological and clinical parameters to evaluate the efficacy of SIT are compared: clinical parameters being the most effective means of evaluation of clinical improvement.
authors.affiliation: Servizio di Allergologia, Ospedale San Martino, Genova, Italy.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Negrini
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000097:blood; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000378:metabolism; D009299:Nasal Provocation Tests; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008222:Lymphokines