Guidelines for the prescription of allergen immunotherapy and patient follow-up - Clinical questions and revision of the literature

Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for respiratory allergens is the only curative treatment for allergies. We previously published the list of the French National Clinical Practice Guidelines for AIT prescription and patient's monitoring. To carry out this work, a group of more than 50 French allergists wrote an exhaustive text answering 50 clinical questions that meet the specific needs of AIT prescribers. These questions have been classified into 7 groups, to focus on patient's choice, the indications and modalities of AIT prescription, treatment regimens, the routes of administration of AIT, its efficacy and safety, the choice of the allergen, patients' follow-up and on other practical aspects that allergists may wonder about when prescribing such treatment. Answers to the 50 questions are based on the results of studies published in the literature, and, if hard data could not be found, on experts' advice. The main goal of this work is to provide prescribers a clear picture of the most recent data and to guide them in choosing the optimal treatment for their allergic patients, taking into account the practical questions, which also include a look to the current clinical context, due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. (C) 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The French National Clinical Practice Guidelines provide recommendations for the prescription and monitoring of allergen immunotherapy for respiratory allergens. By addressing 50 clinical questions, the guidelines aim to assist prescribers in selecting optimal treatment options, considering various aspects such as patient choice, AIT prescription modalities, efficacy, safety, and follow-up.