[Sublingual immunotherapy with allergenic extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in asthmatic children]

Abstract

Background: Sublingual immunotherapy is based on the treatment of distinct pathologies. It is not exempt from discomfort and hazards; thus, alternative approaches for therapy are being tested.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of sublingual immunotherapy, with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in asthmatic children.

Material and methods: Fifty pediatric patients of both sexes between 5 and 15 years were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received sublingual immunotherapy with Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus in concentrations of 500, 1000, 2000, 5000, 8000 and 10,000 biological units. Both groups received conventional therapy, and spirometry and total IgE were measured every 30 days. The use of bronchodilators and steroids was assessed before and during the test.

Results: Peak expiratory flow improved in the study group with a remarkable difference (p < 0.05). There were not significant differences in the control group (p > 0.05); however, at the end of the study an increase of 80% was observed. In urgency services, patients who received immunotherapy had relative risk (RR) = 0.36 and confidence interval (CI) of 95%, 0.15, 0.84. The use of steroids equally decreased in patients receiving immunotherapy RR = 0.27, CI 95%, 0.10, 0.69.

Conclusions: Sublingual immunotherapy does reduce the risk for asthma episodes in children.