Open AccessThe efficacy of allergen-immunotherapy in patients with pollen allergy in the Central and Western regions of Ukraine considering the specifics of their sensitization
Author(s) -
Olena Sharikadze,
Світлана Зубченко,
O.M. Оkhotnikova
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
lìkarsʹka sprava/lìkarsʹka sprava
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2706-8803
pISSN - 1019-5297
DOI - 10.31640/jvd.1-2.2019(4
Subject(s) - ragweed , slit , medicine , allergen , allergy , sublingual immunotherapy , mugwort , sensitization , hay fever , immunotherapy , ambrosia , immunology , pollen , allergen immunotherapy , weed , pathology , botany , biology , immune system , genetics , alternative medicine
Various sorts of weed plants with allergenic properties are extended on the territory of Ukraine. Weed’s distribution has regional characteristics. Clinically significant weed allergens are found in pollen from wormwood, ragweed, quinoa, plantain, and thistle. The main treatment for hay fever is allergen immunotherapy. The modern development of molecular diagnostics makes it possible to clearly identify the main allergen of weed pollen and, on this basis, offer the patient a personalized choice of allergen immunotherapy with the possibility of predicting its effectiveness. In order to determine the characteristics of sensitization to weeds in patients of the Central and Western regions of Ukraine and to evaluate the effectiveness of sublingual allergen immunotherapy (SLIT), 1.400 patients from 3 to 65 years of age were examined in these regions. Patients were evaluated general laboratory and instrumental studies, skin prick-tests (SPT), level total serum and specific IgE and component studies. A two-year course of immunotherapy was performed using sublingual allergens of wormwood and ragweed. Evaluation of the effectiveness of SLIT was performed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). According to the results of the study, positive SPT for mugwort was detected 1.2 times more often among patients in the western regions compared with the central regions. Regarding sensitization to ragweed, on the contrary, it was 3.2 times more often observed in patients of the central region. Component diagnostic data confirmed the results of SPT. Patients taking SLIT showed significantly lower VAS (P < 0.05) compared with patients receiving symptomatic therapy. The regional characteristics of sensitization to various types of weeds were found. Latent sensitization to ragweed is increasingly found in patients in the western regions of Ukraine. Use in patients with AR and/or BA SLIT with standardized allergens is an effective and safe treatment method that allows you to quickly control symptoms.