Specific local nasal immunotherapy: Single center experience on 324 patients

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of specific local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis. Materials and methods: A retrospective single-center study of 324 patients with allergic rhinitis (191 allergic to mites, 133 allergic to Grarninaceae or Parietaria pollen) treated with specific LNIT was carried out. As control group, 158 patients without allergic rhinitis were enrolled. All patients were evaluated before and after 32 weeks of treatment by subjective analysis of their self-reported symptoms and by objective analysis of nasal provocation test, nasal resistance by anterior rhinomanometry, and mucociliary clearance time. Results: Clinical efficacy of LNIT for allergy to mites and pollens was confirmed by the differences in the symptoms score between the active group and the placebo group. The nasal provocation test and the rhinomanometric analysis confirm the result with a difference statistically significant. No differnces in mucociliary clearance time were found. Conclusions: Specific LNIT is a valide alternative to subcutaneous and sublingual administration. It is effective, safe, well tolerated by the patient, it can be done at home with fewer systemic reactions.

Automated summary

This retrospective study evaluated the efficacy and safety of specific local nasal immunotherapy (LNIT) in patients with allergic rhinitis. The results showed significant clinical efficacy of LNIT in patients allergic to mites and pollens, but no difference in mucociliary clearance time. In conclusion, specific LNIT is a valid alternative to subcutaneous and sublingual administration, providing effective and safe treatment with fewer systemic reactions.