Allergen Immunotherapy and Atopic Dermatitis: Updated Guidance

Authors

  • Derek K. Chu, MD McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cait.2024.4269

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD), also commonly referred to as atopic eczema, is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Research over the past 30 years has revealed that it affects approximately 13% of children and 7% of adults worldwide. Among the growing number of treatment options for AD, the role of allergy to aeroallergens, such as house dust mite (HDM) pollens or animal dander, in driving this condition has remained uncertain for a long time. Consequently, so too has been the therapeutic role of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) for AD. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI)/American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Joint Task Force (JTF) on Practice Parameters recently updated their AD guidelines. This update included a systematic review of the effectiveness and safety of AIT, including subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) versus no AIT for patients with AD. This article summarizes the systematic review findings, guideline update, and future directions.

Author Biography

Derek K. Chu, MD, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON

Dr. Derek Chu is a Clinician Scientist and Assistant Professor in Allergy and Clinical Immunology at McMaster University, Department of Medicine and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, & Impact. Dr. Chu serves on the Joint Task Force for Allergy Practice Parameters, and multiple international initiatives to improve outcomes in Allergy-Immunology.

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Published

2024-09-23

How to Cite

1.
Chu DK. Allergen Immunotherapy and Atopic Dermatitis: Updated Guidance. Can Allergy Immunol Today [Internet]. 2024 Sep. 23 [cited 2024 Dec. 13];4(2):31–37. Available from: https://canadianallergyandimmunologytoday.com/article/view/4-2-Chu

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