Fluctuation of Disease Severity and Quality of Life Applying Intra-lymphatic Immunotherapy for Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

Maryam khoshkhui; Farahzad Jabbari; Fateme Shafiee Zargar; Nasrin Sadat  Motevalli Haghi; Nazila Ariaee

doi:10.18502/ijaai.v23i2.15321

Maryam khoshkhui Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Farahzad Jabbari Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Fateme Shafiee Zargar Department of Radiology, Qaem Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Nasrin Sadat Motevalli Haghi Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Nazila Ariaee Allergy Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijaai.v23i2.15321

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; Allergen immunotherapy; Intra-lymphatic injection

Abstract

Allergen-specific immunotherapy is the only disease-modifying treatment for IgE-mediated allergic disorders. Intra lymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) is an efficacious and time-saving alternative to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). This study aimed to evaluate the effects and safety of ILIT in patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis.

In this clinical trial, patients between 18 and 65 years old with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis were enrolled. They received monthly intra-lymphatic inguinal injections of an active allergen (1000 SQ-U Salsola kali pollen). Their clinical symptoms were assessed before and four weeks after treatments. The clinical signs were also evaluated during two consecutive pollination seasons and the following non-pollination season in April.

No moderate or severe reactions were recorded following ILIT treatment. Lymph node enlargement, angioedema/urticaria, and local itching were seen instantly after injection. Patients who received ILIT experienced a significant clinical improvement in self-recorded seasonal allergic symptoms after the treatments, compared to themselves before ILIT. Furthermore, their quality of life significantly improved.

This study suggests ILIT with Salsola-pollen extract may decrease symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It was safe and did not cause any crucial complications.