Ten-Year Experience with Sublingual Immunotherapy for Juniper Pollenosis
RATIONALE: Juniper species are major spring allergens in the southwestern USA. We previously reported a study of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for Juniper pollenosis
in 2005. Over the last ten years, we have gradually expanded the use of SLIT for this allergen. This study summarizes our results.
METHODS: Pollen counts for J. Asheii and J. Scropulorum typically start to rise in mid- March in our area of southwest Colorado. Patients are contacted in early January to
begin the SLIT program. Patients receive 2 vials of J. Scropulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper, Greer Labs)) extract containing a total of 150-200 micrograms of protein. Maintenance dose is one dropper (6 micrograms) every 3 or 4 days until late May. Patients are instructed to place the drops under the tongue for at least one to two minutes, and then expectorate the remainder. Pollen counts are observed during the season using a Rotorod sampler. Patients are then contacted by phone or office visit in May for assessment of efficacy.
RESULTS: For the 2014 season, 165 patients were treated with Juniper SLIT. 77 of these
patients were monosensitized. 149 (90%) patients reported positive results. Side effects
were mostly local oral discomfort. There were no systemic reactions. In the 2013 season, there were 53 patients reporting 79% positive results.
CONCLUSIONS: Juniper SLIT may be an effective form of immunotherapy when given pre-co-seasonally at the doses studied.
in 2005. Over the last ten years, we have gradually expanded the use of SLIT for this allergen. This study summarizes our results.
METHODS: Pollen counts for J. Asheii and J. Scropulorum typically start to rise in mid- March in our area of southwest Colorado. Patients are contacted in early January to
begin the SLIT program. Patients receive 2 vials of J. Scropulorum (Rocky Mountain Juniper, Greer Labs)) extract containing a total of 150-200 micrograms of protein. Maintenance dose is one dropper (6 micrograms) every 3 or 4 days until late May. Patients are instructed to place the drops under the tongue for at least one to two minutes, and then expectorate the remainder. Pollen counts are observed during the season using a Rotorod sampler. Patients are then contacted by phone or office visit in May for assessment of efficacy.
RESULTS: For the 2014 season, 165 patients were treated with Juniper SLIT. 77 of these
patients were monosensitized. 149 (90%) patients reported positive results. Side effects
were mostly local oral discomfort. There were no systemic reactions. In the 2013 season, there were 53 patients reporting 79% positive results.
CONCLUSIONS: Juniper SLIT may be an effective form of immunotherapy when given pre-co-seasonally at the doses studied.
