Immunotherapy: First do no harm

Abstract

Immunotherapy continues to be a treatment modality that is used most exclusively by allergists. The acceptance of immunotherapy for treating children with allergic rhinitis or asthma has been limited by the lack of adequate numbers of pediatric double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of specific allergen immunotherapy; use of venom immunotherapy is more clearly supported by current data. Children represent a unique group of patients where allergic disease may not only be treated using immunotherapy resulting in reduction of symptoms, signs, and complications of disease, but may also hold the best potential for the evasive goal of prevention of the development of future allergic disease. © 2005 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.