Rush desensitization to respiratory allergens
Bousquet, J.; Guèrin, B.; Michel, F.B.
Presse Medicale 13(44): 2679-2683
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 6240031 Document Number: 225583
Rush desensitization was introduced in 1930 and has been renewed by the advent of standardized, freeze-dried allergens of known and constant quality. It consists of giving rapidly progressive doses of allergens, followed by further injections of maintenance doses. In spite of relatively numerous adverse reactions--but not more than with the conventional method using the same aqueous preparations in the same doses--rush desensitization has proved very useful by providing rapid protection. Its effectiveness against allergy to pollens has been demonstrated by a controlled clinical trial and by responses to challenge tests performed before and after treatment. A decrease in skin reactivity has been noted soon after the maintenance dose is reached. Rush desensitization is accompanied by very slight changes in specific IgE levels and by a moderate but statistically significant increase in specific IgG levels. This method constitutes a suitable alternative to conventional immunotherapy in a substantial number of cases and probably involves different immunoprotective mechanisms.