Long-term efficacy of allergen specific immunotherapy in atopic dermatitis patients in relation to quality of life.

INTRODUCTION Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory, chronically relapsing and highly pruritic skin disorder that considerably effects patients' life. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) is often applied in clinical research in order to evaluate the impact of AD on daily performance of patients. AIMS The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term effect of allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) on the quality of life in AD patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS 15 patients suffering from AD, allergic to house dust mites or grass pollen allergens, who were previously treated with ASIT participated in the study. Our treatment with allergy vaccinations was performed during the time period between 1995 and 2001. DLQI questionnaires have been filled by the patients before the treatment, after termination of ASIT and after 2 - 12 years of the observational period. RESULTS The statistical tests revealed a significant difference between the DLQI before ASIT was introduced and after termination of ASIT. Every answer except two (describing the influence of skin condition on preventing from working or studying and on sexual life) of these periods also disclosed statistically significant difference. As for the relation between the DLQI after ASIT and the actual one the tests revealed non significant difference, also regarding to every single answer of the questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS In relation to improvement of quality of life in AD patients, this study confirms the effectiveness of ASIT and it discloses the persistence of its results in long-term aspect.