Safety and efficacy of grass pollen specific immunotherapy using ultra-rush protocol and Purethal vaccine

Introduction. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) using ultra-rush protocol in the treatment of allergy to hymenoptera venom constitutes a safe and effective therapeutic option. Aim. SIT with Purethal for grass pollen allergens has been evaluated to assess its effectiveness and safety. Materials and methods. The study group consisted of 29 patients with symptoms of allergic rhinitis and confirmed allergy to grass pollen. Patients were randomized to ultra-rush therapy or conventional pre-seasonal SIT. Treatment was carried out during 3 consecutive years. Results. After three-year treatment, a similar reduction in nasal symptoms during the pollen season was observed; according to the visual analog scale (VAS), there was a decrease from 4.228 +/- 0.911 scores to 1.922 +/- 0.223 in the ultra-rush group and from 4.101 +/- 0.733 scores to 2.134 +/- 0.223 in the group desensitized by the conventional method (p>0.05). There was also a comparable reduction in reliever drugs use during pollen season. No significant differences in safety profile were observed - only local reactions were noted in both groups. Conclusions. Ultra-rush SIT with Purethal is effective and safe in the treatment of grass pollen allergy. However, further investigations on larger groups of patients are required.