Comparison of conventional and rush immunotherapy with der PI in childhood respiratory allergy.

BACKGROUND Rush immunotherapy results obtained in Der PI-sensitive children with asthma and the changes in clinical and immunological parameters were investigated. METHODS We studied 18 patients with Der PI sensitivity. Two groups were randomized: nine patients received RIT and nine patients received conventional immunotherapy (CIT) for three years. The RIT group reached the optimal maintenance dose at the end of one week. The CIT group reached the optimal maintenance dose in approximately three months. Symptom medication scores, lung function, side effects scores, skin-prick test, diluted skin-prick test with Der PI, bronchial provocation tests with Der PI, and Der PI-specific IgE and IgG4 were investigated in baseline conditions, at six months and at the end of the third year. RESULTS There were no significant differences between groups in age, sex, and duration of illness. Treatment was tolerated very well. However, mean side-effect scores were higher in the RIT group than in the CIT group (p < 0.005). There were no significant differences between groups in the other parameters. CONCLUSION CIT is more advantageous than RIT in Der PI-sensitive children, although the maintenance dose was achieved more rapidly with RIT.