Importance of Quality of Life for Adherence to Sublingual Immunotherapy

Abstract

Background. Nonperception of efficacy ranks among the most commonly cited causes for nonadherence to sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). Quality of life (QoL) in patients is a determining factor influencing adherence. We investigated QoL and adherence separately in SLIT patients at one pediatric practice in Germany. Methods. We conducted a noninterventional, cross-sectional, retrospective, quality-of-life survey among pediatric patients treated with SLIT. QoL was assessed using the generic SF-12 health survey in German. The items contained in the SF-12 health survey are weighted, added up, and converted to obtain a physical component score (PCS) and a mental component score (MCS). Each component score ranges from 0 to 100; the higher the score, the better the QoL perceived. Results. 201 surveyed patients who had undergone SLIT showed PCS-12 of 49.3 (± 7.0) and MCS-12 of 52.6 (± 7.2). These figures correlate strongly with those reported for the German general population (n = 2453): PCS-12 of 49.6 (± 8.7) and MCS-12 of 52.3 (± 8.0). 70.2% (73) of 104 patients were adherent at this practice. Conclusions. QoL in the SLIT patients surveyed here appears as good as that of the general population. Adherence to SLIT at this practice was remarkably better than that reported elsewhere.

Nonadherence to sublingual immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis: a real‐life analysis

“…Fourth, family members of patients could be enlisted to help patients complete their immunotherapy. Studies have shown that adherence can be improved if patients perceive a good quality of life . Beyond 3–5 years, efficacy can be maintained for a long time .…”

Satisfaction of allergic patients treated with house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy

“…It is associated with few reactions, especially the immunotherapy regimens involving the use of one or two main allergens. 10 Lemberg et al 17 observed a significant improvement in the QoL after a year of treatment, a significant improvement in the severity and control of the disease, and a reduction in the number of sick days and days with symptoms.…”

“…An interesting additional result was the observation that SLIT significantly contributed to treatment adhesion. 17 The improved sense of smell associated with the control of other classical symptoms of persistent allergic rhinitis was the other reason behind the study using patient’s own self-evaluation. Katotomichelakis et al 18 used standardized questionnaires with special attention to olfactory functions in 145 patients with persistent allergic rhinitis being treated with SLIT.…”

“…Many studies have also directly addressed the QoL and clinical outcomes of allergic patients treated with SLIT. [16][17][18][19][20] However, the assessment of patient satisfaction with SLIT treatment has been little investigated. To evaluate patient satisfaction we use the ESPIA questionnaire in a cross-sectional cohort study where a convenience sample was chosen in an Allergy and Immunology service representing a real situation of allergic patients who presented the indication for treatment with SLIT.…”

Perceived compliance and barriers to care in sublingual immunotherapy

“…As with any medical therapy, the goal of increasing compliance is to increase therapy effectiveness and thus quality of life. A recent study by Lemberg et al demonstrated that SLIT does have a positive effect on multiple quality‐of‐life measures in patients with allergic rhinitis . In the current study, despite noncompliance, 53% of patients reported a substantial improvement in symptoms since beginning therapy, and another 33% reported either a mild or moderate improvement.…”