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Characteristics of patients with respiratory allergy in France and factors influencing immunotherapy prescription: a prospective observational study (REALIS).

Authors :
Migueres M
Fontaine JF
Haddad T
Grosclaude M
Saint-Martin F
Bem David D
Crestani B
Source :
International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology [Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol] 2011 Apr-Jun; Vol. 24 (2), pp. 387-400.
Publication Year :
2011

Abstract

To describe the sensitization profile of respiratory allergies in France, identifying factors influencing the prescription of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) [Transversal phase (T)], and assess treatment efficacy, tolerability, compliance and satisfaction [Longitudinal phase (L)]. French allergists (600) and pneumo-allergists (600) were offered participation and asked to recruit the first 20 new patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) and/or asthma, consulting for a first time allergy check-up with skin prick-test (T), and 5 patients sensitized to pollens (skin test and/or specific IgE) for whom SLIT with pollens was prescribed (L). In the T phase, 2,714 patients were recruited by 169 specialists, mostly allergists (76.5%). The majority (98%) suffered from AR, alone (57.7%) or with asthma (40.3%) and 80.3% suffered from moderate-to-severe rhinitis, mostly persistent (65.8%). Asthma, when present, was mostly intermittent (63.7%) or mild persistent (20.1%). Sensitization to house dust mites was the most common (64.5%), followed by grass pollens (61.5%), tree pollens (41.6%) and cat danders (30.5%). Poly-sensitization was seen in 73.6% of patients. AIT, mostly sublingual, was recommended in 55.6% of the patients, mostly (78.1%) because of insufficient control with symptomatic treatments. The overall impact of symptoms on QOL, positive skin test to grass pollens, ocular pruritus and/or nasal obstruction and moderate-to-severe rhinitis were significant predictors of SLIT prescription. Poly-sensitization or concomitant asthma were not seen as deterrents. Most patients consulting a specialist for allergy testing suffer from moderate-to-severe rhinitis. Treatment in current practice includes immunotherapy in half of the patients, and follows ARIA recommendations.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0394-6320
Volume :
24
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
21658313
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/039463201102400212