Effect of allergen immunotherapy practice parameters on cat extract prescribing patterns, 1993-2009

Immunotherapy preparation guidelines, rules, and regulation

Allergen immunotherapy has been used to treat allergic diseases for more than 100 years. In the U.S., the preparation of diagnostic and therapeutic extracts requires the cooperation of the extract manufacturer, who provides the individual allergen concentrates, and the practicing physician who formulates, dilutes, and administers the final patient-specific treatment extract. The guidelines, rules, and regulations for these activities have been established and continue to be developed as progress is made. The molecular characterization and standardization of allergenic extracts has allowed for improvements in defining the potency of these products. In turn, these advances have led to improved dosing regimens and formulation practices. This review will describe in detail some of these interactions and will identify issues that require more attention.

Survey on immunotherapy practice patterns: dose, dose adjustments, and duration

BACKGROUND

Practical issues dealing with the administration of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) by European and US allergists are not well known. Several concerns are only partially covered by guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

To survey AIT practice patterns among worldwide members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

METHODS

A web-based survey was conducted among AAAAI members on dosing, dose adjustment after missed doses, and duration of AIT.

RESULTS

A total of 1,201 replies (24.7% response rate of which 10% of responses were from non-US and non-Canada members). A total of 57% to 65% of the US-Canadian dosing falls within the recommended Practice Parameter ranges (9.4%-19% too low). Dose adjustment after missed doses is based on time elapsed since the last administered dose by 77% of US-Canadian and 58% of non-US-Canadian allergists. Doses are reduced when a patient comes in more than 14 days for 5 weeks after the last administration and initial dosing restarted after more than 30 days for 12 weeks since last administration during the build-up or maintenance stage. After missing 1 to 3 doses, the dosing schedules were mostly followed (build-up phase: repeat last dose, reduce by 1 dose, reduce by 2doses; maintenance phase: reduce by 1 dose, reduce by 2 doses, reduce by 3 doses). AIT is prescribed for a median of 3 years by non-US-Canadian allergists but for a median of 5 years by 75% of US-Canadian allergists. Main reasons for continuing beyond 5 years were "after stopping, symptoms reappeared" or "patient afraid to relapse."

CONCLUSION

Many patients receive less than recommended doses. Two areas in which to plan further research are establishment of an optimal dose-adjustment plan for missed applications and exploration of the maximum appropriate duration of immunotherapy.

Allergen immunotherapy practice patterns: a worldwide survey

BACKGROUND

Allergists around the world have different practice styles when administering subcutaneous aeroallergen immunotherapy (IT) in peak pollen seasons, especially when changing doses or frequency of IT. The Immunotherapy practice parameters do not specifically address this issue.

OBJECTIVE

Given the paucity of good data about adjustment of allergen immunotherapy during the pollen seasons, we examined whether a significant difference is present in the way allergists administer immunotherapy during allergy seasons.

METHODS

To quantify the practice styles of allergists who are members of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), a self-reported electronic survey was disseminated in September 2010 with the help of the AAAAI Needs Assessment Committee. The responses were tallied and analyzed according to demographic information.

RESULTS

A total of 1,201 allergists in the AAAAI responded to the survey. Most responders practice in an urban or suburban nonacademic practice in the United States and have been in practice for more than 10 years. The size of their practice was variable. Those in practice for more than 10 years were more likely to adjust the dose and frequency of immunotherapy in pollen seasons.

CONCLUSION

This survey highlights the differences in the practice styles of AAAAI member allergists, and these differences may be associated with their demographic characteristics. Given the wide variability in how allergists adjust dose and frequency of immunotherapy during pollen seasons, establishing guidelines regarding this routine dilemma might help standardize the delivery of treatment to patients.