Effect of grass pollen immunotherapy with Alutard SQ® on quality of life in seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis

Background: Treatment of allergic rhinitis with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy is effective in terms of reductions in symptoms and seasonal use of reliever medication. Its effect on quality of life (QoL), reflecting the impact of symptoms on work/school performance and leisure activities is, however, important and often overlooked. Aims of the study: To assess effect on QoL of specific immunotherapy with two doses of Alutard SQ((R))Phleum pratense in patients with moderately to severe seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis inadequately controlled by standard drug therapy. Methods: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of 410 patients with seasonal allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. Participants were randomized (2 : 1 : 1) to receive Alutard SQ((R))P. pratense (ALK-Abello) at maintenance doses of 100 000 SQ-U (203 subjects), 10 000 SQ-U (104 subjects) or placebo (103 subjects) given by subcutaneous injections. The groups were well matched for demographics and baseline symptoms. Quality of life was assessed using the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire which covers seven domains of health before and in the peak of the pollen season. Results: While all domain scores were significantly improved when comparing 100 000 SQ-U with placebo, two domain scores were significantly improved when comparing 10 000 SQ-U with placebo. When comparing 100 000 SQ-U with 10 000 SQ-U, four domain scores were significantly improved. Conclusion: Treatment with Alutard SQ((R)) significantly improved the seasonal QoL of patients suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis. The improvement was more pronounced and wider ranging in patients who received the higher 100 000 SQ-U maintenance dose.