Efficacy of immunotherapy based on skin end-point titration.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of skin end-point titration (SET) as a method of assessing skin responsiveness, selecting antigens, and initiating treatment for successful inhalant immunotherapy. This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind investigation. Eighteen patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: an experimental group treated for all positive antigens, and a control group treated for all positive antigens, with the exception of the study antigens. Quality of life was assessed with 3 dependent measures, and response to nasal challenge and nasal endoscopic evaluations were conducted. Ten patients completed the 6-month study. There were significant improvements in the emotional component of sinus-related disability, in response to nasal challenge, and in the endoscopic appearance of the mucosa, regardless of patient group. There was a trend toward improved quality of life among experimental subjects. SET-based immunotherapy reduces self-rated disability over time. In addition, SET-based immunotherapy allows decrease in nasal reactivity and normalizes the endoscopic appearance of the nose.