Awareness survey on parents and guardians of pediatric patients starting sublingual immunotherapy

Abstract

In Japan, sublingual immunotherapy has been used in pediatric patients with cedar pollinosis and mite-induced perennial allergic rhinitis since its approval in 2018 for national healthcare coverage in children. We conducted a mail-in survey on parents/guardians of children who started sublingual immunotherapy in 2018 to ascertain their concerns in starting sublingual immunotherapy as well as problems and changes in their awareness after starting the therapy. The common concerns in starting sublingual immunotherapy were 1) maintaining daily treatment, 2) long-term continuation, 3) potential of anaphylaxis, and 4) local side effects. More than 60% of the parents/guardians viewed the side effects after starting the therapy as 1) mild or 2) milder than expected for conditions related to both cedar and mites. Half of the parents/guardians responded that their impression has not changed compared with before sublingual immunotherapy. However, approximately 40% of parents/guardians responded that they felt greater relief compared with before the therapy regarding anxieties about 1) anaphylaxis, 2) long-term continuation, 3) local side effects, and 4) maintaining daily treatment. Sublingual immunotherapy is a treatment method that is still not well known. Thus, it is desirable, especially when starting therapy in pediatric patients, for the physician and medical staff to provide a thorough advance explanation to the patients and family on what the therapy entails. Furthermore, we believe it is essential for the healthcare providers to continue answering questions and anxieties that the patient or parent/guardian may have at any time after starting the therapy.