Use of specific immunotherapy--a survey of 15 164 employed persons in Germany

BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) leads to high morbidity and costs. Specific immunotherapy (SIT) is a potentially curative therapy for AR. The -decision whether or not to employ SIT is often not totally clear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 2012/13, as part of company skin cancer screening -programs, employed persons between the ages of 16-70 were asked about use of allergy-related medications and atopic conditions, as well as the use of SIT or possible reasons preventing its use.

RESULTS: Of the 15,164 persons surveyed, 26.2% (n = 3,966) reported they had allergies that might benefit from SIT therapy. Of these, only 31.7% (n = 1,470) had undergone SIT therapy, with 63.3% (n = 931) describing the treatment as successful. The main reasons given for not undergoing SIT were relatively minor symptoms (51.2%; n = 1,278), little confidence in the success of therapy, and lack of time (12%; n = 300). Only 5.2%, n = 129) stated that avoiding allergens was sufficient or that they could not undergo SIT because of other health problems. Another 5.2% (n = 130) said they had either not heard of SIT, or had not found a place to undergo treatment.

CONCLUSIONS: Although about one-quarter of respondents reported allergies that might benefit from SIT, less than one-third had undergone treatment. The main -reason was having mild symptoms; guideline or healthcare-related issues were -responsible only to a limited extent.