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. 2014 Mar 28;7(1):6.
doi: 10.1186/1939-4551-7-6.

Sublingual immunotherapy: World Allergy Organization position paper 2013 update

Affiliations

Sublingual immunotherapy: World Allergy Organization position paper 2013 update

Giorgio Walter Canonica et al. World Allergy Organ J. .

Abstract

We have prepared this document, "Sublingual Immunotherapy: World Allergy Organization Position Paper 2013 Update", according to the evidence-based criteria, revising and updating chapters of the originally published paper, "Sublingual Immunotherapy: World Allergy Organization Position Paper 2009", available at http://www.waojournal.org. Namely, these comprise: "Mechanisms of sublingual immunotherapy;" "Clinical efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy" - reporting all the data of all controlled trials published after 2009; "Safety of sublingual immunotherapy" - with the recently published Grading System for adverse reactions; "Impact of sublingual immunotherapy on the natural history of respiratory allergy" - with the relevant evidences published since 2009; "Efficacy of SLIT in children" - with detailed analysis of all the studies; "Definition of SLIT patient selection" - reporting the criteria for eligibility to sublingual immunotherapy; "The future of immunotherapy in the community care setting"; "Methodology of clinical trials according to the current scientific and regulatory standards"; and "Guideline development: from evidence-based medicine to patients' views" - including the evolution of the methods to make clinical recommendations.Additionally, we have added new chapters to cover a few emerging crucial topics: "Practical aspects of schedules and dosages and counseling for adherence" - which is crucial in clinical practice for all treatments; "Perspectives and new approaches" - including recombinant allergens, adjuvants, modified allergens, and the concept of validity of the single products. Furthermore, "Raising public awareness about sublingual immunotherapy", as a need for our patients, and strategies to increase awareness of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) among patients, the medical community, all healthcare stakeholders, and public opinion, are also reported in detail.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The historical process leading to the WAO SLIT Position Paper 2009.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Highlights of the evidences in SLIT, from 2009 to 2013, the scientific basis for the updating of “Sublingual Immunotherapy: World Allergy Organization Position Paper 2009”.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Number of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigating SLIT up to June 2013.
Figure 4
Figure 4
The GRADE system: from clinical question to recommendation.

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