Allergologia et Immunopathologia

Methods and results: fifty-seven (57) patients with a well-documented history of seasonal grass pollen allergy were evaluated in a DBPC trial over a period of 10 months (January to November 1995) with a view to investigating the efficacy and safety of sublingual immunotherapy with a grass pollen extract, 9,500 BU/ml. The course of treatment consisted of an incremental phase of approximately 3 weeks followed by a twice weekly maintenance dosage of 9,500 BU. Compared with the placebo group (30 patients), the group treated with grass pollen extract (27 patients) showed a significant (p < 0.03) lower mean severity of allergic complaints, i. e. sneezing, and itchy nose, a watery runny nose and itching of the eyes during the maximum pollen counts of the season. The use of anti-allergic medication was similar in the two groups.