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HERO ID
2633983
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Systematic reviews of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)
Author(s)
Radulovic, S; Wilson, D; Calderon, M; Durham, S
Year
2011
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Allergy
ISSN:
0105-4538
EISSN:
1398-9995
Volume
66
Issue
6
Page Numbers
740-752
PMID
21443635
DOI
10.1111/j.1398-9995.2011.02583.x
Web of Science Id
WOS:000289896700005
Abstract
P>Allergic rhinitis is common worldwide, with significant morbidity and impact on quality of life. In patients who don't respond adequately to anti-allergic drugs. Subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy is effective although requires specialist administration. Sublingual immunotherapy may represent an effective and safer alternative. This Cochrane systematic review is an update of one published in 2003. We searched Cochrane ENT Group Trials Register, Central, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Biosis Previews, Cambridge Scientific Abstarcts, mRCT and additional sources. We included randomised, double-blind, placebo- controlled trials of sublingual immunotherapy in adults and children. Two authors selected studies and assessed them for quality. Data were put into RevMan 5.0 for a statistical analysis. We used standardised mean difference (SMD), with a random effect model to combine data. Sixty studies were included, with 49 suitable for meta-analysis. We found significant reductions in symptoms (SMD -0.49; 95%CI (-0.64 to -0.34, P < 0.00001)) and medication requirements (SMD -0.32; 95%CI (-0.43 to -0.21, P < 0.00001)) compared with placebo. None of the trials reported severe systemic reactions, anaphylaxis or use of Adrenaline. This updated review reinforces the conclusion of the original 2003 Cochrane Review that sublingual immunotherapy is effective for allergic rhinitis and appears a safe route of administration.
Keywords
allergic rhinitis; immunotherapy; systematic review
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