Immunotherapy with a standardized Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus extract. VI. Specific immunotherapy prevents the onset of new sensitizations in children.

TLDR: A prospective non-randomized study was carried out in a population of asthmatic children younger than 6 years of age whose only allergic sensitivity was to house dust mites (HDMs) as discussed by the authors.

Abstract: Background: The natural history of allergic sensitization is complex and poorly understood. A prospective nonrandomized study was carried out in a population of asthmatic children younger than 6 years of age whose only allergic sensitivity was to house dust mites (HDMs). Objectives: The study was designed to determine whether specific immunotherapy (SIT) with standardized allergen extracts could prevent the development of new sensitizations over a 3-year follow-up survey. Methods: We studied 22 children monosensitized to HDM who were receiving SIT with standardized allergen extracts and 22 other age-matched control subjects who were monosensitized to HDM. The initial investigation included a full clinical history, skin tests with a panel of standardized allergens, and the measurement of allergen-specific IgE, depending on the results of skin tests. Children were followed up on an annual basis for 3 years, and the development of new sensitizations in each group was recorded. Results: Ten of 22 children monosensitized to HDM who were receiving SIT did not have new sensitivities compared with zero of 22 children in the control group ( p = 0.001, chi square test). Conclusions: This study suggests that SIT in children monosensitized to HDM alters the natural course of allergy in preventing the development of new sensitizations. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1997;99:450-3.)