Impact of allergen immunotherapy after two years of suspension in patients with asthma

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Immunotherapy has proven to be effective in controlling allergic asthma. However, few studies have evaluated whether the control and reduction of drug treatment persist after treatment ends. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of immunotherapy with mites in asthma patients after two years of its suspension on drug treatment and number of exacerbations. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational study ambispective with active group (immunotherapy and pharmacotherapy) and control (only pharmacotherapy) group followed up for 5 years divided into two phases: 3 years of application of immunotherapy and two year of follow-up after its suspension. RESULTS: 122 patients in the active group and 384 in the control group were included. Both groups had fewer exacerbations after the sixth month (p = 0.04). After nine months the active group had a significant reduction in the use of inhaled steroids (p = 0.05) compared to the control group. Two years after finished immunotherapy, patients in the active group received a lower inhaler doses than the control group. Children under 14 years mono-sensitized had the best response in all parameters evaluated. CONCLUSION:The allergen immunotherapy improves asthma control and reduces the required doses of pharmacotherapy. These effects have an important impact on quality of life and perhaps economically for patients with asthma. The beginning at an early age seems to have a major impact.