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Adherence to subcutaneous immunotherapy with aeroallergens in real-life practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
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  • Osman Ozan Yeğit,
  • semra demir,
  • Derya Erdoğdu,
  • Muge Olgac,
  • Kadriye Terzioğlu,
  • Deniz Eyice Karabacak,
  • Can Tuzer,
  • Vehbi Ayhan,
  • Bahattin Çolakoğlu,
  • Suna Büyüköztürk,
  • Aslı Gelincik
Osman Ozan Yeğit
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine

Corresponding Author:drosmanozan@gmail.com

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semra demir
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
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Derya Erdoğdu
Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital
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Muge Olgac
Sisli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital
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Kadriye Terzioğlu
Kartal Dr Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital
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Deniz Eyice Karabacak
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
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Can Tuzer
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
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Vehbi Ayhan
Yedikule Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital
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Bahattin Çolakoğlu
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
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Suna Büyüköztürk
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
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Aslı Gelincik
Istanbul University Istanbul Faculty of Medicine
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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.
03 Feb 2021Submitted to Allergy
04 Feb 2021Submission Checks Completed
04 Feb 2021Assigned to Editor
05 Feb 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
22 Feb 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
22 Feb 2021Editorial Decision: Revise Minor
20 Mar 20211st Revision Received
22 Mar 2021Submission Checks Completed
22 Mar 2021Assigned to Editor
23 Mar 2021Reviewer(s) Assigned
28 Mar 2021Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
30 Mar 2021Editorial Decision: Accept
Jan 2022Published in Allergy volume 77 issue 1 on pages 197-206. 10.1111/all.14876