Recent Development on the use of SLIT tablets for Allergic Rhinitis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE\nAllergic rhinitis (AR) is an IgE-mediated inflammatory condition that causes symptoms of sneezing, nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, and nasal itch. Although subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) for the treatment of AR has been in use and well established as a treatment modality, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is increasingly considered to be the safer and more convenient alternative. Thus, the objective of this review is to describe recent findings pertaining to the use of SLIT tablets (SLIT-T) for AR.\n\n\nSTUDY SELECTIONS\nA total of 11 RCTs were selected for full-text review and included in the analysis. All studies investigated the use of SLIT on patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (4 tree pollen studies, 1 grass pollen study, 1 Japanese Cedar) or perennial allergic rhinitis (3 house dust mite studies).\n\n\nDATA SOURCES\nA database search (PubMed.gov) for articles published between January 1 st, 2017 to February 9 th, 2021 was conducted using the following key words: allergic rhinitis , AND-ed sublingual immunotherapy . Included were randomized placebocontrolled trials (RCTs). Other experimental designs studies were excluded.\n\n\nRESULTS\nOur review of 7 recently published randomized placebo-controlled trials with 2348 subjects receiving SLIT, reported increased efficacy, safety, supportive immunological parameters (IgE and IgG4 levels pre- and post-treatment levels) and improved quality of life. All studies excluded subjects with overlapping seasonal or perennial allergens, a history of moderate to severe, uncontrolled asthma or reduced lung function.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nOur review highlights that SLIT is a safe and effective treatment that significantly reduces symptoms and medication requirements in allergic rhinitis, and improved quality of life.