Sublingual immunotherapy in children and its potential beneficial collateral effect on respiratory tract infections

Abstract

Although directed to the control of allergic symptoms, a possible effect of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on susceptibility to infections has been hypothesized. Two hundred sixty-five children aged between 3 and 4 years of age affected by allergic rhinitis completed a 6 year prospective case–control study. One hundred forty-three children after 2 years of SLIT reported a lower prevalence of respiratory tract infections when compared to children not undergoing SLIT.

Keywords: :

• Antibiotics
• Children
• Respiratory infections
• Sublingual immunotherapy

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Declaration of funding

Publication support was paid for by the authors.

Declaration of financial relationships

F.O., G.D.C., A.M.Z., L.I., G.T., and M.D. have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with or financial interests in any commercial companies related to this study or article.

CMRO peer reviewers on this manuscript have received an honorarium from CMRO for their review work. Peer reviewer 1 has disclosed that he has received research grants from GlaxoSmithKline, AstraZeneca and Novartis, and has been a consultant to Novartis, Alk Abello, Mundipharma and Boehringer Ingelheim. Peer Reviewer 2 has no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.