Safety of sublingual immunotherapy in children.

INTRODUCTION: Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) was introduced as a safer option to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) which was associated with the possible occurrence of systemic reactions including anaphylaxis and, though very rarely, fatalities. Some anaphylactic reactions to SLIT are reported, mainly in adults but also in children. It is therefore important to investigate the risk factors related to such reactions.

AREAS COVERED: Data from the literature on the safety of SLIT in children were reviewed. The data reviewed concerned the application of this treatment to patients with respiratory allergy and also possible new indications such as food allergy, atopic dermatitis and latex allergy. Reports of anaphylactic reactions were analyzed to identify the potential risk factors.

EXPERT OPINION: SLIT is a well tolerated treatment, the common side effect being local reactions in the mouth. Systemic reactions, concerning the skin and the airway, are rare and anaphylactic reactions are extremely rare.