CRC ALRGN IMNOTHRP PDF

Preface

This fourth edition of Allergens and Allergen Immunotherapy has been especially created to highlight the most relevant information concerning allergens and allergen immunotherapy. We have seen the book grow from the first edition, published in 1991, with 13 chapters, to the third edition, published in 2004, with 41 chapters and over 800 pages. We have therefore elected to make the fourth edition more concise and practical for the reader by providing the most critical new updates in the field.

Since the last edition, the scientific information available on sublingual immunotherapy has increased substantially. Sublingual immunotherapy is used in many parts of the world, but not yet used in other parts of the world, pending additional investigative studies and approval by regulatory agencies. The knowledge and experience of physicians varies widely with respect to sublingual immunotherapy. Therefore, five chapters are devoted exclusively to this subject. Other areas of significant increase in scientific information include recombinant allergens, physicochemical characterization of allergens, and alternative forms of immunotherapy. The latter includes results of animal studies but is included as this knowledge will likely influence the future of allergen immunotherapy.

The chapters are still grouped into five parts.

Part I, Basics, details the history of the subject, definitions, immunologic responses, and knowledge about allergen nomenclature, so critical in a physician's formulation of an allergen vaccine.

Part II, Allergens, describes the inhalational, ingested, and injected allergens. The major and minor allergens and their cross-reactivity with other allergens are described. Biologic and immunologic characteristics are included.

Part III, Immunotherapy Techniques, describes the manufacture and standardization of allergens for injection and ingestion, instructions for their use, different routes of administration, and their labeling as allergen vaccines as recommended in 1998 by the World Health Organization.

Part IV, Other types of Immunotherapy, describes immunotherapy for food and latex allergy, alternative routes of immunotherapy administration, DNA vaccines, anti-IgE therapy, and novel approaches with inhalant allergens.

Part V, Prevention and Management of Adverse Effects, details how to avoid and treat adverse effects, including anaphylaxis. Instructions and consent forms are included for subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy.

All chapters have been updated and organized in a manner that will hopefully enhance this volume as a reference source for the use of allergens for immunotherapy.

Clemens Von Pirquet coined the word "allergy," hoping it would "facilitate new research workers to study the interesting phenomena in the field." With the advent of molecular biology, this has since been realized. While the understanding of the cellular and biochemical aspects of the "phenomena" has advanced with the use of molecular tools, the basic principles of allergen immunotherapy have not changed. This book is to prepare the clinician to know how, what, and why with regards to immunotherapy today and better understand and evaluate the many options of tomorrow. The editors thank Geeta Gehi for her essential contribution. Her attention to detail, gentle nudging, and skill enabled the completion of this edition.