Abstract

Data on the safety of a cluster regimen to start a subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) with house dust mite (HDM) extract in pediatric patients are scarce. This study investigates the rate of adverse events (AEs) and the applicability of a cluster regimen for HDM SCIT in pediatric patients, and identifies possible risk factors for the development of AEs. A total of 147 injections with a depot extract (D. pteronyssinus / D. farinae, 50% each) were applied to 21 HDM-sensitized pediatric patients (age 5-18 years) with allergic asthma and/or allergic rhinitis within 2 weeks. All patients completed the cluster regimen with the full cummulative dose. Systemic adverse events (AEs) were mild to moderate (rhinitis, nausea or mild asthma), and occurred after 5 injections (3.4%) in three different patients (14.3%). Local AEs occurred in 14 patients (66.7%); 11 patients had minor local AEs and only 3 patients had major local AEs of a diameter ≥ 5 cm. All AEs developed within 60 minutes after the last injection. Patients with local AEs had higher total IgE serum levels than patients without AEs (p = 0.02). In conclusion, the cluster regimen for induction of HDM SCIT is a safe and well tolerated procedure in children.

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