488 The Effect of Specific Immunotherapy on the Clinical Response in Patients with Grass-pollen Induced Rhinoconjunctivitis

BACKGROUND: Specific immunotherapy (SIT) has a significant potential in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of specific immunotherapy (SIT) in patients with grass-pollen induced allergic rhinitis and allergic conjunctivitis. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with pollen induced rhinoconjunctivitis and positive history for more than 2 years were included in our study. They had skin prick test of ≥ 5 mm, age range from 18 to 44 years and all underwent conjunctiva provocation tests before and after 1 year of SIT. Clinical severity score of nasal and conjunctiva symptoms during the season was assessed by 4-point arbitrary rating scale from 0 to 3. Conjunctiva provocations were performed out of the season until allergic symptoms occurred, achieving the allergen threshold dose (ATD). RESULTS: After 1 year of SIT, we have noticed reduction of clinical symptoms present in allergic conjunctivitis: burning, itching, lacrimation and hyperemia (P < 0,05). We have found also reduction in clinical symptoms of allergic rhinitis: secretion, irritation, itching and nasal blockade (P < 0,01). The patients tolerated significantly higher allergen doses in provocation tests after 1 year of SIT, reaching new ATD. CONCLUSIONS: SIT reduces the clinical symptoms of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and modifies the inflammatory response after specific allergen challenge.