House dust mite sublingual immunotherapy tablets for allergic asthma

Published: February 15, 2022

House dust mite (HDM) sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets are one treatment option for allergic rhinitis (AR). However, the evidence for treating allergic asthma is scarce.

In a recent article published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, Wongsa, Phinyo and their colleagues conducted a systematic review to address the efficacy and safety of HDM SLIT tablets compared with placebo or no intervention in patients with allergic asthma. The primary outcome was the reduction in inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) dose. Additional outcomes were asthma control, asthma flare-up (exacerbation), lung function, quality of life, and adverse events (AEs).

The review noted that the HDM SLIT tablets help reduce ICS dose in patients with mild-to-moderate asthma whose symptoms are well or partly controlled. HDM SLIT tablets also effectively improved asthma symptoms in AR patients with mild-to-moderate asthma. The treatment effect of HDM SLIT tablets in reducing flare-ups in patients with moderate-to-severe asthma was inconsistent. AEs were minor, including lip/tongue swelling and itching. However, few serious AEs occurred, and no fatalities have been reported. The efficacy and safety of HDM SLIT tablets in asthmatic children need more studies.

The researchers concluded that adding HDM SLIT tablets to maintenance treatment could be considered in adults and adolescents with well- to partly-controlled mild-to-moderate allergic asthma.

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice is an official journal of the AAAAI, focusing on practical information for the practicing clinician.

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