title: Sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis and related pathologies: Efficacy in a paediatric population.
abstract: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the sublingual-swallow allergen-specific immunotherapy (SLIT) in a paediatric population suffering from allergic rhinitis and related pathologies. From March 1994 through March 2000, at our ENT Department 4000 children (1800 male and 2200 female), aged 3 to14 years, were examined for recurrent nasal obstruction and nasal polyps. 2400 (60&#x0025;) of them were allergic and underwent the following investigations: Impedance test, Pure tone audiometry, rhinomanometry, Prick test, RAST, nasal provocation test and paranasal sinus TC without contrast media. Of the allergic group we admitted 288 patients(12&#x0025;) to a 3 yr SLIT, meeting the following criteria: children aged 5 years or more, mono-sensitised to one allergen and with family cooperation support. After three years of SLIT, we observed complete symptom remission and a marked improvement in instrumental examinations in 80&#x0025; of these children. The improvement was poor in 8&#x0025; of patients, while in 12&#x0025; of the subjects no changes in symptoms and instrumental results were detected. These results are in agreement with previously published studies and confirm that SLIT can be a valid tool for treating allergic upper respiratory tract diseases in children.
authors.affiliation: Otorhinolaringology Dept. Santomobono-Pausilipon Paediatric Hospital, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: A.
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Della Volpe
authors.forename: G. W.
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: D'Agostino
authors.forename: A. M.
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Varricchio
authors.forename: N.
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Mansi