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A case control study of dermatophagoides immunotherapy in children below 5 years of age.

BACKGROUND
In this study we investigate the effects of parenteral immunotherapy on children below 5 years of age in order to prove the safety and clinical efficacy of dust mite specific immunotherapy (SIT) in such young patients. In young children, allergy is often due to dermatophagoides and causes a persistent inflammation that leads to recurrent respiratory infections. This condition impairs the normal development of airways by inducing remodelling. Although many paediatric allergists are used to treating young allergic children with SIT, this method is still subject to discussion. The benefits versus risks of SIT must also be defined.


METHODS
In a case control study, 28 patients with dermatophagoides induced asthma and rhinitis treated with subcutaneous immunotherapy were assessed alongside a comparable control group. Symptom and drugs scores were collected from diary cards.


RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Scores proved to be significantly lower in the immunotherapy group in respect to the control group (p = 0.001). In particular, asthma attacks in the case group decreased significantly during the first year of treatment (p = 0.001). SIT was well tolerated and compliance was good.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results confirm the safety and the efficacy of SIT in children below 5 years of age and above all, they confirm that SIT can begin at a very early age.