Observational Study on The Efficacy and Effects in The Quality of Life of Cluster Immunotherapy Schedule in Patients with Asthma Sensitized to House Dust Mites

Abstract

Background: The conventional schedule administration of subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) for Acaroid®, requires eight weeks to get the maintenance dose. To reduce the duration of the build-up phase, the cluster schedules have been introduced. The objective was to analyze the one-year efficacy of Acaroid® in a cluster schedule, as well as the effect on the patient’s quality of life. Methods: A real-world observational study was designed, with one-year follow-up. Patients 5-65 years-old with allergic bronchial asthma, sensitized to house dust mites and treated with Acaroid®, in cluster schedule 2/2/2 were included. The main efficacy endpoint was the Asthma Control Test (ACT) score at month 12 compared to baseline. The patient’s quality of life was measured with the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and ESPRINT-15 questionnaire. Results: A total of 81 patients, 55.6% female, were included with a mean age of 29.7 years old. The ACT score from baseline-12 months significantly improved (p=0.003) 1.4 points (95%CI 0.4-2.4). The proportion of patients with a good asthma control increased significantly from baseline-6-12 months (p<0.05). AQLQ (p=0.014) and ESPRINT-15 quality of life domains significantly improved at 12 months. Conclusions: The cluster schedule 2/2/2 of SCIT with Acaroid® was effective and allowed shortening the build-up phase to three weeks, instead of the conventional schedule of eight weeks. This resulted in the benefit of the patient in terms of comfort and could reduce the costs related to SCIT administration while maintaining patient efficacy and safety of the conventional schedules.