Long-Term Efficacy beyond 10 Years of Subcutaneous Immunotherapy for House Dust Mite-Induced Allergic Rhinitis: A Real-World Evidence Study.

Abstract

Introduction: This retrospective study evaluated real-world data on subcutaneous immunotherapy for house dust mites (HDM-SCIT) in children and adults with AR over a period exceeding 10 years and aimed to observe the long-term efficacy of HDM-SCIT lasting more than 10 years in children and adults.

Methods: Sixty-six patients, including 31 children and 35 adults who were allergic to house dust mite and received SCIT, were retrospectively analysed. All patients completed an immunotherapy course lasting 2-3 years. Questionnaire data were collected before and at the end of SCIT, and telephone follow-up was conducted to evaluate the long-term efficacy after 10 years.

Results: Nasal and ocular symptoms in children and adults remained better controlled 10 years after the completion of HDM-SCIT (all p < 0.05). The efficacy for nasal and ocular symptoms in children persisted after 10 years (all p < 0.05), whereas the efficacy of other related symptoms declined (p = 0.414). The efficacy for nasal symptoms in adults remained stable (p = 0.888), whereas the efficacy for ocular symptoms and ear-itching symptoms declined (all p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference between children and adults (p = 0.607, p = 0.764). No adverse reactions persisted for 10 years or more.

Conclusions: Up to 10 years after completing HDM-SCIT, both children and adults continued to exhibit significant improvement in their symptoms. The safety profile during treatment for both adults and children remained excellent even 10 years later.