Adherence to subcutaneous immunotherapy with aeroallergens in real-life
practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
Abstract
Background: The success of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) mostly
depends on regular injections. Our aim was to investigate adherence to
SCIT with aeroallergens during the COVID-19 pandemic and demonstrate
clinical consequences of treatment disruptions in real-life. Methods:
Visual analogue scale for quality of life (VAS-QoL), VAS for symptom
scores (VAS-symptom), medication scores (MSs) and total symptom scores
(TSS-6) were recorded during the pandemic in 327 adult allergic rhinitis
and/or asthmatic patients receiving maintenance SCIT and these scores
were compared with the pre-pandemic data. Patients were grouped
according to SCIT administration intervals; no delay (Group 1),
<2 months (Group 2), and ≥2 month intervals (Group 3).
Results: 104 (31.8%) patients (Group 3) were considered as non-adherent
which was mostly related to receiving SCIT with HDMs and using public
transportation for reaching the hospital. Median MS, VAS-symptom and
TSS-6 scores of Group 3 patients during the pandemic were higher than
the pre-pandemic scores (p=0.005, p<0.001, p<0.001,
respectively) whereas median VAS-QoL scores of Group 3 during the
pandemic were lower than the pre-pandemic scores (p<0.001).
Median TSS-6 and VAS-symptom scores were the highest in Group 3 compared
to other groups (p<0.001 for each comparison). Median VAS-QoL
scores were the lowest in Group 3 compared to Group 1 and Group 2
(p<0.001, p=0.043, respectively). Conclusion: When precautions
in allergy clinics are carefully applied, adherence to SCIT can be high
during a pandemic. Patients must be warned about adhering to SCIT
injections since delays in SCIT administration can deteriorate clinical
symptoms.