Satisfaction of allergic patients treated with house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy

Abstract

Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been used for more than three decades as a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of allergic diseases. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy and safety, and numerous clinical trials have evaluated these parameters. In the present study, through patient perception, we investigated the patient satisfaction with the use of house dust mite SLIT treatment. “Satisfaction Scale for Patients Receiving Allergen Immunotherapy” (ESPIA) questionnaire, a standardized and validated instrument for clinical studies evaluating allergen immunotherapy, was applied to allergic patients ( N = 136). Children and adults of both sexes who received SLIT for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and/or Blomia tropicalis, according to the results of an immediate reading puncture test, were included. Data analysis showed that the perception of treatment effectiveness was 92%, performance improvement in the daily activities was 91%, a satisfactory cost-benefit balance was 84%, and the perception of general satisfaction was 97%. The results showed a high perception of satisfaction in allergic patients undergoing house dust mite SLIT.

Real-Life Effectiveness of Subcutaneous Immune Therapy with Carbamylated Monomeric Allergoids on Mite, Grass, and Pellitory Respiratory Allergy: A Retrospective Study

“…It affects health-related decisions and treatment-related behaviors of the patients, which in turn have a substantial effect on the success of treatment outcomes in many fields of medicine [39,40]. Patient satisfaction with AIT was recorded and was a key factor in its long-term efficacy assessment and adherence to therapy [41][42][43][44].…”

Good clinical practice recommendations in allergen immunotherapy: Position paper of the Brazilian Association of Allergy and Immunology – ASBAI

“…In Brazil, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is available in the form of drops. 21 , 35 The administration is applied under the tongue or on the lower lip's buccal mucosa, which allows the allergen to be in contact with the oral mucosa for at least 2 min. We recommend not eating or drinking for at least 10 min before and after application.…”

“…Although SLIT has a high safety profile, it can cause systemic reactions, particularly in asthma patients. 34 , 35 , 38 , 39 Thus, even this type of AIT requires specific indications and clinical management pertinent to a physician with an academic background in Allergy and Immunology.…”

“…Real-life studies have also demonstrated excellent therapeutic results for treating atopic diseases with SLIT. 35 , 38 , 39 A recently published Brazilian study 35 demonstrated that patients who received SLIT for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and/or Blomia tropicalis showed that the perception of treatment effectiveness was 92%, performance improvement in daily activities was 91%, a satisfactory cost-benefit balance was 84% and general satisfaction was 97%. Therefore, this study showed a high perception of satisfaction in allergic patients undergoing HDM SLIT.…”

“…Frequent periodic monthly or bimonthly visits improve therapy success, mitigating concerns about clinical efficacy and increasing the possibility of the patient completing their SLIT treatment. 35 , 45 , 46 …”