The efficacy of sublingual immunotherapy for XXXX is not affected by different dosage regimens in the induction phase.

@entity1 @entity748 @entity565 @entity56 @entity1576
BACKGROUND: Sublingual administration of allergens is a safe and effective alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy in @entity1 with @entity1576 . A drawback to this therapeutic approach is the relatively long and complex management of the induction phase. AIM OF THE STUDY: To determine whether different induction regimens affect the outcome of sublingual immunotherapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Adult and pediatric @entity1 with @entity56 and/or @entity565 were included in the study. Ten subjects served as controls and received symptomatic treatments. Forty-three subjects were allocated to sublingual immunotherapy, with three different induction protocols (8-, 15- and 20-day, respectively). Symptom and medication scores, skin test results and (in @entity748 @entity1 ) FEV1 values were monitored for two years. Adverse effects were recorded. All induction regimens produced a significant improvement in symptom and medication usage (p < 0.0001); skin test scores decreased (p < 0.0001) and FEV1 improved (p < 0.05). In contrast, symptom and skin test scores did not significantly change in controls. No relevant adverse effects were observed with any of the induction regimens. CONCLUSIONS: For @entity1 with @entity1576 , sublingual immunotherapy with an 8-day induction protocol is safe and effective. Our results encourage the usage of shorter induction regimens, which produce better compliance with this therapy.
