Allergy symptom response to intradermal testing-based immunotherapy: a retrospective study of clinical practice.

Objective: Evaluate the multiple end-organ targets affected by intradermal testing (IDT)-based immunotherapy. Study design and setting We conducted a retrospective medical record review of 139 patients, as well as a follow-up questionnaire in a university setting.

Results: Statistically significant differences (t-tests, P < 0.05) were observed in the prevalence of symptoms after IDT-based immunotherapy for each category (ear, eye, nasal, and throat). When divided into treatment time groups, the reduction was less in the first group (0-6 months therapy), than the subsequent groups (6-24 months and >24 months). The reduction leveled off after 6 months of therapy, with no difference seen between the 6- to 24-month and >24-month groups.

Conclusions: IDT-based immunotherapy has a broad response on otolaryngic allergy symptoms that appears to be consistent over time.

Significance: IDT-based immunotherapy is an effective form of treatment for allergy-induced diseases of the head and neck.