Methods: To evaluate patient satisfaction with SLIT treatment (Staloral®, Stallergenes S.A., France) we designed a prospective, observational, multicenter study. Treatment satisfaction was measured using the QUARTIS© questionnaire (= Questionnaire on Respiratory Allergies Treated by Sublingual Immunotherapy). As medical parameters effectiveness and adverse events were documented. Patients with allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis due to tree pollen, grass pollen or house dust mites were included in the study.
Results: 226 patients (94 male, 132 female, median age 37 years) participated in this study. Treatment satisfaction: Compared to a period before treatment, patients reported improved nasal symptoms (13.03 vs. 9.70; p<.0001) and eye symptoms (6.11 vs. 4.43; p<.0001). After treatment, the allergy was less bothersome in everyday life (9.62 vs. 7.27; p<.0001). 69.2% of treated patients experienced a better tolerability than they had expected. No relevant differences were observed between the different allergen groups. Effectiveness: The severity of nasal symptoms was reduced by 53.2% (2.35 vs. 1.10; p<.0001). For eye symptoms the severity was reduced by 57.0% (2.14 vs. 0.92; p<.0001). Only 36.1% of the patients needed symptomatic medication in the treatment period compared to 70.1% before treatment. 88.0% of the investigators assessed the patients' well-being as "much better" or "better" after treatment. Adverse events: The overall tolerability was assessed as "good" or "very good" in approximately 90% of the evaluable cases. Only 11.9% of patients experienced adverse events (AEs). The most common AEs were gastrointestinal disorders.
Conclusions: Patients treated with SLIT in a real-life setting were satisfied with the treatment: It was tolerated well, patients’ symptoms improved and their allergy had less impact on daily life. The patients' high level of treatment satisfaction as well as the good tolerability and effectiveness of the extract are important factors for they may help to improve treatment adherence.