A preliminary study to investigate effectiveness of a mixed extract of dermatophagoides sp. House dust mites and alternaria sp. mold

Abstract

Background and objective. Although the administration of single-allergen extracts is recommended, there are polysensitized patients who require a different strategy. This study evaluates the effectiveness of an extract containing a mixture of house dust mites (HDM) and mold allergens in polysensitized patients with asthma and/or rhinitis. Methods. Using validated questionnaires, we assessed asthma and rhinitis control and quality of life (QOL) of patients that received a combined immunotherapy of HDM and mold in routine clinical practice. Results. 39 polysensitized patients with asthma and/or rhinitis were included. After 6 months of follow up, asthma control increased significantly from baseline and was maintained at 12 months. However, QOL of asthma patients did not change significantly from baseline to month 6 or 12, but at month 12, 57.9% of them improved their score and 5.3% maintained the same. On the other hand, QOL of 76.9% patients with rhinitis improved significantly at both 6 and 12 months. Conclusions. In this preliminary study, the administration of immunotherapy based on the combination of allergens from HDM and mold, besides being effective, also allows an increase in the quality of life of patients with asthma and/or rhinitis.