Recurrence of allergic rhinitis, previously alleviated with allergen immunotherapy, after autologous bone marrow transplant.
BACKGROUND
Several associations between immunoglobulin E and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) have been reported.


OBJECTIVE
A patient whose allergic rhinitis (AR) resolved after allergen immunotherapy (AIT) but recurred after the patient received an autologous BMT is reported.


METHODS
Allergy skin tests were performed before AIT began and after 4 years of therapy. Skin tests were repeated after a recurrence of symptoms 6 years later after an autologous BMT for breast cancer.


RESULTS
Six years of AIT led to a near complete resolution of AR symptoms. Skin tests showed a marked reduction in reactivity to allergens in the AIT. After an additional 6-year symptom-free interval off AIT, symptoms returned after the BMT. Repeat skin tests showed a marked increase in reactivity.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients reconstituting their immune systems after autologous BMT may have a recurrence of AR previously suppressed with AIT.
Kelso
John M
JM
Department of Internal Medicine, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California 92134-1005, USA. jmkelso@nmcsd.med.navy.mil
D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D012008:Recurrence; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy; D012882:Skin Tests
D000485:Allergens