The efficacy and safety of intratonsillar immunotherapy when used for allergic rhinitis

A recent study demonstrated that the administration of intratonsillar injection containing house dust mite (HDM) extract proved to be both safe and efficacious for individuals suffering from allergic rhinitis (AR). This study's findings were published in the journal, Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

In this randomized clinical trial, 80 patients suffering from house dust mite-induced allergic rhinitis were included. The patients were divided into two groups: one group received 6 intratonsillar injections of HDM extract, and the other group received a placebo. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS), visual analogue scale of nasal symptoms, combined symptom and medication score, quality of life questionnaire, and serum allergen-specific IgG4 levels were all evaluated at the baseline and at three months, six months, and twelve months following the completion of the treatment. Both the intent-to-treat and per-protocol sets were analyzed in this study.

At three months following a 3-month 6-injection intratonsillar immunotherapy, patients with AR showed significant improvements in the primary end points TNSS and ΔTNSS compared to those who received placebo treatment in both intent-to-treat and PPS. Additionally, significant enhancements were observed in the combined symptom and medication score, visual analogue scale results, and mini rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire outcomes at three months post-treatment in PPS. Additionally, the active group displayed a significantly higher increase in serum Der p IgG4 levels at three, six, and twelve months post-treatment completion compared to the placebo group.

Thus, it can be concluded that the intratonsillar injection with HDM extract is safe and efficacious in AR patients.