Abstract
Immunotherapy is an accepted mode of treatment for children suffering from allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. This study demonstrates that rapid allergen vaccination (RAV) can be as safe and effective as conventional allergen vaccination (CAV). RAV may also improve patient adherence. A total of 148 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and mild to severe asthma underwent RAV over a 2.5-h period in an office-based setting. Patients were monitored for reactions during the procedure and continued on a CAV schedule. Adherence was reviewed subsequently. During the procedure, eight patients (5.4%) experienced systemic reaction, and none experienced true anaphylaxis. Typically, 6 months of build-up period was saved. Patients reached efficacious dosages almost immediately. Adherence rates were 95.3%, 90.5%, and 79.7% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Effective doses of allergen vaccine can be safely and successfully achieved using a 2.5-h protocol for children. Advantages of RAV over CAV include improved adherence with almost immediate clinical efficacy, and decreased cost for the patient. (Pediatr Asthma Allergy Immunol 2005; 18[3]:131–139.)
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