Comparison of Sublingual Immunotherapy in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis Sensitive to House Dust Mites in Korea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) using 2 kinds of SLIT medications (LAIS and Staloral) in patients with allergic rhinitis for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae. We have evaluated the patient’s characteristics, safety, and compliance in 293 patients and also analyzed the symptom score, medication score, satisfaction rate, and immunologic measurement in 84 patients who have continued the treatment over 1 year. The symptom scores were significantly improved in both treatment groups, 51% versus 44% (LAIS vs Starloral) at 1 year ( P < .05). The medication score was also significantly decreased in both treatment groups ( P < .05), 50.8% versus 60%. The subjective improvement score was 44.4% versus 46.1%, and satisfaction rate was 29% versus 40% ( P < .05). The serum immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) level was significantly increased in Staloral group ( P < .05). The adverse events were 6.2% versus 33.3% and the compliance was 37.7% versus 25.1%. In conclusion, the improvements in symptom score and medication scores were not significant different between 2 SLIT medications at 1 year. LAIS was more compliant, less side effects and Staloral has shown increased satisfaction rate and IgG4 level.