Hyposensitization in asthmatics with mPEG modified and unmodified house dust mite extract. II: Effect evaluated by challenges with allergen and histamine

In a 2-year study, 46 asthmatics with verified allergy to the house dust mite D. pteronyssinus (Dp) were included either as controls (Ctls) or receiving hyposensitization (HS) with unmodified or monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG) modified Dp-extract. Patients were monitored by annual challenges with histamine in bronchi, and Dp allergen in bronchi, nose and conjunctiva. mPEG-modified extract was not inferior to unmodified Dp-extract; both were to some extent able to improve tolerance to Dp and histamine in bronchi and to Dp in nose and eyes. During the 1st year, the bronchial sensitivity to Dp decreased significantly in the HS groups but not in the Ctls. During the 2nd year, improvement was more pronounced in the Ctl group. The relative increase in Dp or histamine tolerance did not differ significantly between groups after either 1 or 2 years; the only exception was conjunctival sensitivity, which in the Ctl group was unchanged, and a 10-fold increase in tolerance in the HS groups. No direct benefit was seen on late-phase bronchial reactions. In patients with improved pulmonary symptoms a tendency was seen towards reduced sensitivity to histamine and Dp. Variation within groups was extensive.