ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is currently accepted as a treatment of allergic rhinitis. SLIT has been demonstrated to be an effective and safe treatment in many studies; however, there have been few studies on Asian patients with allergic rhinitis. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of SLIT for Asian patients with allergic rhinitis to house-dust mites. METHODS: A total of 116 adult patients who had allergic rhinitis to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were included. All patients were treated with SLIT (Staloral(R)). Symptom scores and quality of life were evaluated by questionnaires for one year after SLIT. The medication score was also assessed monthly by a medication diary card. Adverse effects and compliance were also investigated. RESULTS: All nasal and non-nasal symptoms and quality of life were significantly improved after treatment except for itchy palate (p < 0.05). The total medication score was decreased significantly after SLIT (p < 0.05). Some minor adverse effects were reported, but no patient developed a systemic reaction. The drop-out rate was 19%. CONCLUSION: Staloral(R) for Asian patients with allergic rhinitis to house-dust mites is an efficient and safe therapeutic tool.