A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Specific Desensitization Therapy on Atopic Patients

Abstract

Background: Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is a widely recognized, disease-modifying treatment for a range of allergic conditions. By targeting the underlying immune response, SCIT offers a promising approach to reducing hypersensitivity to allergens, thereby improving patients' symptoms and quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of patients with atopy who underwent desensitization therapy using SCIT. The focus was on determining the effectiveness of treatment in reducing allergy symptoms. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on the medical records of 205 patients treated at the Food and Drug Allergy Center over a two-year period, from 2020 to 2022. All patients included in the study had been diagnosed with allergic conditions based on clinical evaluations and Skin Prick Test (SPT) results. They received subcutaneous injections of diluted allergens tailored to their individual sensitivities as identified through SPT. Results: Out of the 205 patients included in the study, 193 continued their treatment through the follow-up period. Among these, 124 patients (64.2%) exhibited notable clinical improvement, characterized by reduced allergy symptoms and decreased reliance on rescue medications. Conversely, 69 patients (35.8%) showed no significant improvement in their allergic conditions despite undergoing therapy. Twelve patients (5.9%) were lost to follow-up and
discontinued treatment. Statistical analy is revealed that the duration of treatment played a critical role in determining outcomes. Patients who demonstrated improvement had undergone therapy for a significantly longer duration compared to those who did not show improvement (10.66 ± 8.82 months vs. 1.02 ± 1.07 months; P < 0.001). This finding emphasizes the cumulative effect of SCIT over time and underscores the importance of maintaining long-term adherence to the treatment protocol. Conclusion: Subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) has proven to be an effective method for reducing hypersensitivity to a variety of allergens, particularly when administered over an extended period. The study highlights the necessity of prolonged treatment to achieve optimal outcomes, as patients with longer treatment durations experienced significantly better results. These findings reinforce the value of SCIT as a cornerstone in the management of allergic diseases and the need for strategies to enhance patient adherence to ensure sustained benefits.