[Pollinosis. II. Specific hyposensitization: indications and results of treatment. A study with the allergen preparation Stallergenes-Depot in the pollen season of 1976, 1977 and 1978]

Abstract

The efficacy of hyposensitization treatment of pollen allergy has been proven by a series of double blind studies. The clinical success of specific treatment with semi-depot extracts amounts, according to retrospective studies, to 70% and 90% in hay fever and seasonal asthma. Our results, with a success quota averaging 75% obtained by 821 courses of treatment between 1976 and 1978, are within the range reported by other authors. Only 1-2% of the patients experienced a worsening of the allergic symptoms during immunotherapy. The success quota in connection with organ manifestation varied between 65.7% to 86.5% for asthma (up to 34% cured), 59,8% to 79% for rhinitis and 70,5% to 84% for conjuncitivitis. The global results of 409 hyposensitization treatments by outside practitioners in pollen season 1976 were not inferior statistically to those obtained by our allergy unit. The results after 2 and 3 courses, with a success quota of 85%, were statistically significantly better than after the first course. The local reactions observed in approximately 27% of patients, and the allergic generalized reactions seen in approximately 7% during hyposensitization, are described and discussed. Guidelines for the indication for hyposensitization treatment of pollinosis, for the composition of the pollen extracts (only a few relevant allergens!) and for practical performance are given.