Sublingual immunotherapy in pollen-induced seasonal rhinitis and conjunctivitis: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a recognized and safe treatment for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. The aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tablets for grass and rye pollen- induced rhinitis and conjunctivitis.


METHODS
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was carried out over 9 months. 105 patients received a standardized grass/rye mix extract or a placebo using sublingual drops during the build-up phase. Drops were replaced by sublingual tablets during the maintenance phase (300 IR/daily).


RESULTS
In patients that received active treatment, a significantly lower total symptom score (rhinitis and conjunctivitis) compared to the placebo group was observed (p = 0.038). The investigators' assessment revealed a significant improvement in favor of the active treatment group (p = 0.018). Skin reactivity to grass and rye pollen was significantly reduced in the active treatment group (p < 0.05). No statistical difference was observed between the two groups for serum-specific IgG4 levels. Side effects were local and mild, and no severe systemic reactions were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that tablet-based sublingual immunotherapy was safe and significantly improved grass/rye pollen-induced rhinoconjunctivitis symptoms. It was also associated with a significant inhibition of the immediate skin response.
Mösges
R
R
IMSIE - Klinikum der Universität zu Köln, D-50924 Cologne, Germany. ralph@moesges.de
Brüning
H
H
Hessler
H-J
HJ
Götz
G
G
Knaussmann
H-G
HG
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000276:immunology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003233:Conjunctivitis, Allergic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011058:Pollen / Q000276:immunology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*
D000485:Allergens