1 A Study of Immunological and Clinical Effects of Allergen Immunotherapy on Asthmatic Patients in Babylon Province

ackground: Allergen immunotherapy has important benefits on asthmatic patients by reducing symptoms and medication use and it can be used as an alternative treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the effects of allergen immunotherapy (AI) on asthmatic patients of Babylon Province. Materials and methods: The study was performed on 35 asthmatic patients as immunotherapy group who received allergen immunotherapy and 15 asthmatic patients as control group who remained on pharmacotherapy, the patients were assessed by measurement of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) symptoms and medication use score at 0 time, 3 months, and 6 months. Results: The study showed that 30-40 years age group population were more affected with asthma (44%) and then the incidence decreased with increasing age. Females might be more affected than males (60 % compared to 40%).There were significant increase in the mean levels of PEFR and total IgG and significant increase in the mean levels of total IgE. In addition, the study revealed larger reduction in symptoms and medications use score in immunotherapy group in comparison to control group. Conclusion: AI should be used in allergic asthma as one of the modalities of treatment because it can reduce the symptoms an