Long-term efficacy and safety of dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy in monosensitized and polysensitized children with allergic rhinitis

Objective: The long-term efficacy of single-allergen-specific immunotherapy in polysensitized allergic rhinitis (AR) subjects remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of dust mite subcutaneous immunotherapy (SLIT) in monosensitized and polysensitized children with AR. Methods: This prospective study recruited 130 children with AR, divided into a monosensitization group and a polysensitization group. Patients received standardized dust mite SLIT for 3 years and were followed up for 5 years. Total nasal symptom score (TNSS), symptom and medication score (SMS), visual analogue scale (VAS) and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) were assessed and compared between the two groups at T0 (before treatment), T1 (1 year of SLIT), T2 (2 years of SLIT), T3 (end of SLIT) and T5 (2 years after the end of SCIT). Safety was assessed through adverse events (AEs). Results: 51 monosensitized and 50 polysensitized children completed this study. At the end of SCIT, 47 monosensitized and 46 polysensitized children were effectively treated, respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). TNSS, SMS, VAS and RQLQ were significantly lower in T1, T2, T3 and T5 in the two groups compared with T0 (P < 0.05). The differences in TNSS, SMS, VAS and RQLQ between the two groups were not statistically significant at T1, T2, T3 and T4 (P > 0.05), while the differences were significant at T5 (P < 0.05). No serious AEs were reported. Conclusion: Standardized dust mite SCIT has similarly beneficial long-term efficacy and safety in monosensitized and polysensitized children. Monosensitization children appear to receive more durable benefits.