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Allergen Immunotherapy and Atopic Dermatitis: the Good, the Bad, and the Unknown

  • Allergic Skin Diseases (L Fonacier and A Wollenberg, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

In light of the recent advancements in atopic dermatitis treatment, this review aims to summarize the utility and efficacy of allergy immunotherapy in atopic dermatitis patients. We examine its mechanism, pathophysiology, cost-efficacy, and current guidelines for clinical practice.

Recent Findings

The literature supports the use of allergy immunotherapy in atopic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma but insufficient evidence exists to suggest its efficacy in atopic dermatitis. The use of allergy immunotherapy has been shown to provide long-term cost savings in both the USA and the European Union in certain populations but differences in prescribing patterns and manufacturing make it difficult to study its impact on a larger, generalizable scale.

Summary

Conflicting meta-analyses data and conclusions highlight the need for better, higher quality research to better understand allergy immunotherapy utility in atopic dermatitis.

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Abbreviations

AIT:

Allergy immunotherapy

AD:

Atopic dermatitis

AR:

Allergic rhinitis

EASI:

Eczema Area and Severity Index

FLG:

Filaggrin

QALY:

Quality adjusted life years

SCIT:

Subcutaneous immunotherapy

SLIT:

Sublingual immunotherapy

SCORAD:

SCORing Atopic Dermatitis

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Correspondence to Anna De Benedetto.

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Conflict of Interest

Dr. De Benedetto has served on advisory board for Regeneron & Sanofi and Allakos. She has been an investigator for Novartis, Kiniksa, Alchem, Regeneron and Sanofi. Drs. Rizk and Rodenas declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this manuscript.

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Rizk, P., Rodenas, M. & De Benedetto, A. Allergen Immunotherapy and Atopic Dermatitis: the Good, the Bad, and the Unknown. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 19, 57 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-019-0893-z

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