Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF ISTANBUL FACULTY OF MEDICINE-ISTANBUL TIP FAKULTESI DERGISI, sa.3, ss.65-72, 2008 (ESCI)
Objective: Preseasonal immunotherapy (IT) is a relatively new form of treatment in allergic rhinitis (AR). In the present study we aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory efficacy of IM in patients with AR at the end of the season. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Allergy between September 2005-September 2006. Fourty patients (age:20-60 years; female/male: 27/13), who were diagnosed with seasonal AR on the basis of history, physical examination and different laboratory methods, were enrolled in the study. Of them, 20 were randomized into the control group. The remaining 20 were treated with preseasonal IT. Individuals with asthma or metabolic diseases were excluded from the study. Results: In the group of patients treated with IT, symptoms during the polen season were decreased with a concomitant decrease in the need for other medications. The seaseonal increase in the level of allergen spesific IgE antibodies was prevented. Skin tests showed that the sensitivity of the skin against polen allergens and histamine was decreased; also, serum levels of allergen spesific IgG(6), ECP and eosinophil counts were lower in the IT group. The percentage of the eosinophils in the nasal smear and serum tryptase levels were found to be increased. Conclusions: In conclusion, it can be stated that preseasonal IT is a safe and efficient treatment in seasonal AR. Decreased skin sensitivity, suppression of the seaseonal increase in allergen spesific IgE antibodies and decreased serum