LOCAL NASAL IMMUNOTHERAPY FOR DERMATOPHAGOIDES-INDUCED RHINITIS - EFFICACY OF A POWDER EXTRACT

Background: Local nasal immunotherapy by means of an extract in ''macr onized'' powder form was studied in allergic rhinitis to Dermatophagoi des species. Methods: Twenty-four Dermatophagoides-sensitive patients were studied for 12 months in a double-blind controlled trial. Subject s were selected on the basis of a positive history, skin test, radioal lergosorbent test, and intranasal challenge to Dermatophagoides antige n. Two 12-patient groups were selected at random; the first group was given active treatment, and the second received placebo. Results: Afte r 6 months, the mean weekly symptom and medication scores were signifi cantly lower in the treated group than in the control group. The treat ed group had a significant increase of specific nasal threshold to Der matophagoides antigen after treatment. Adverse reactions to local nasa l immunotherapy, which were limited to the upper respiratory tract, oc curred very rarely and did not interfere with dose schedule. Conclusio n: Local nasal immunotherapy in powder form may be a suitable alternat ive to the traditional subcutaneous immunotherapy in terms of clinical efficacy and safety.