Improved pulmonary function test (PFT) after 1 one year of Sublingual Immunotherapy (SLIT) in unison with pharmacotherapy in mild allergic asthmatics

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a promising treatment for allergic disease that induces immunological tolerance through the administration of specific allergens. The study of AIT is in its early stage and its clinical effects are not well elucidated. The present study was aimed at determining the effect of AIT on pulmonary function and serum variables of mild allergic asthma patients. Methods: A total of 80 patients with mild allergic asthma were recruited for the study. Allergen Specific Immunotherapy was administered in the form of Sublingual Immunotherapy and consisted of a build up phase followed by a maintenance phase (six months each respectively). Total serum IgE and vitamin D levels were quantified by ELISA. The percent eosinophill count was determined by cell analyzers. Pulmonary function test was performed at the baseline and after the end of study period. Subjective symptom score was recorded in the form of asthma control questionnaire score. Results: There was a significant increase in the pre FEV1% and pre FEV1/FVC post AIT administration. A significant decrease in the total serum IgE was found post AIT. A decrease in Asthma control Questionnaire (ACQ) scores indicated an improvement in clinical symptoms. Besides there was a significant effect on ICS discontinuation after AIT. Conclusion: The study supports SLIT as an effective treatment for Immunomodulation in mild allergic asthmatics besides it gives us significant information regarding the safety and efficacy of SLIT in such patients.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that AIT has a significant impact on pulmonary function and serum variables in patients with mild allergic asthma, improving symptoms and reducing medication use.