Abstract
Background
Allergen-specific immunotherapy consists of administering gradually increasing doses of the allergen, to which the patient is sensitized, aiming at achieving tolerance to it and decreasing clinical symptoms. The sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) was introduced as an alternative to subcutaneous route. Its use is being increased in the world and in Cuba, using standardized vaccines owing to greater safety. The objective of this study was to determine the safety of sublingual standardized vaccines of 3 domestic mite species (Valergen, Cuba) and its adverse events in allergic patients from the Calixto García University Hospital in Havana, as well as the frequency of its prescription.
Methods
Descriptive and cross sectional study design, which included 130 patients with treatment of SLIT with VALERGEN-DP (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus), VALERGEN-DS (D. siboney) and VALERGEN-BT (Blomia tropicalis) (BIOCEN, Cuba), who attended the Allergy Service in the period January-September 2010. Age distribution: mean 19.6 years (range 1–75), 40.7 % was younger than 18 years.
Results
The multiallergen vaccine was the type of vaccine most used (63.8%). The most common allergen was D. pteronyssinus followed by B. tropicalis. 71.55% of administered allergens vaccines were in maintenance phase. We found 4 adverse events (3.1% of patients), all local, mild, and not requiring treatment or change of vaccination dosing schedule.
Conclusions
The Valergen vaccines by sublingual route are safe and well tolerated in Cuban allergic patients.
