Efficacy and safety of immunotherapy for allergies to Alternaria alternata in children.

BACKGROUND

The safety and efficacy of specific immunotherapy for mold allergy are not known in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of specific immunotherapy with a standardized allergen extract in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-year prospective study of patients who were allergic to only Alternaria alternata.

METHODS

Fifty children and adolescents (25 girls; 5-18 years of age) with A alternata-induced seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and/or bronchial asthma were randomly assigned to groups given treatment (Novo-Helisen Depot, A alternata 100%) or placebo. The primary end point was the combined symptom medication score. Secondary end points included safety, quality of life, and sensitivity to allergen-specific nasal challenge.

RESULTS

Forty-five children completed the 3-year study. Although there was no significant change in year 1, the combined symptom medication score decreased in years 2 and 3 of the study (by 38.7% and 63.5%, respectively; P < .001 for each). The reduction in symptoms was associated with a significant improvement in quality of life (P < .05) and decrease in sensitivity after allergen-specific nasal challenge. Side effects were observed in 7 patients; the most common (edema at the site of injection) occurred after 11 injections.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergen-specific immunotherapy with standardized A alternata extract reduces symptoms of asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis in children and adolescents without serious side effects.