Table 1 Main methodological limitations of the studies considering AIT in asthma
ITEM | CRITICAL ASPECTS |
|---|---|
Patients’ selection | Patients should be selected matching asthma severity and, current asthma therapy |
Primary outcome | Asthma-related parameters should be the primary outcome |
Sample size calculation | Based on asthma-related primary outcome |
Objective parameters | Pulmonary function tests/bronchial challenges should be included in primary outcomes |
AIT protocol | Should be uniformed (duration, doses, run-in etc.) |
Duration | An optimal duration of the AIT course is not established |
Dose | The optimal maintenance dose needs to be established for most allergens. Discrepancies among manufacturers |