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Dactylis Glomerata

This article examines several clinical trials investigating the use of Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass) extracts in treating allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis. These studies aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of various immunotherapy treatments containing Dactylis glomerata and other grass pollens for patients with grass pollen allergies.

Table of Contents

What is Dactylis Glomerata?

Dactylis glomerata, also known as orchard grass or cocksfoot, is a type of grass pollen that is commonly associated with allergies[1]. It is one of several grass species that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Other names for this allergen include cocksfoot pollen extract[2].

Medical Uses

Dactylis glomerata is primarily used in the context of allergy diagnosis and treatment. It is a component in various allergy tests and immunotherapy products designed to treat grass pollen allergies. These allergies often manifest as allergic rhinitis (hay fever) or allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, which are conditions characterized by symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion[3].

How It Works

In allergy testing, Dactylis glomerata extract is used to identify if a person is allergic to this specific type of grass pollen. This is typically done through skin prick tests or blood tests that measure specific IgE antibodies[4].

For treatment, Dactylis glomerata is often included in immunotherapy formulations. Immunotherapy works by gradually exposing the immune system to small amounts of the allergen, helping it build tolerance over time. This can lead to reduced allergic reactions when exposed to the allergen in the environment[5].

Administration

Dactylis glomerata extracts are administered in various ways depending on their use:

  • For skin prick tests, a small amount of the extract is placed on the skin and the skin is then pricked[6].
  • In immunotherapy, it may be given as subcutaneous injections (shots under the skin) or as sublingual drops or tablets (placed under the tongue)[3].

Effectiveness

Research suggests that immunotherapy containing Dactylis glomerata can be effective in reducing symptoms of grass pollen allergies. Studies have shown improvements in symptom scores and quality of life measures for patients undergoing this treatment[5].

Safety and Side Effects

While generally considered safe when used as directed, there are potential side effects and risks associated with Dactylis glomerata extracts:

  • Skin prick tests may cause mild itching or swelling at the test site[4].
  • Immunotherapy can sometimes cause local reactions at the injection site or mild allergy symptoms. In rare cases, more severe allergic reactions can occur[6].

It’s important to note that these treatments should only be administered under the supervision of a healthcare professional, typically an allergist.

Ongoing Research

Several clinical trials are currently investigating the use of Dactylis glomerata and other grass pollen extracts in allergy treatments. These studies aim to further improve the effectiveness and safety of immunotherapy for grass pollen allergies[3][5].

Researchers are exploring different formulations, dosing regimens, and combinations with other allergens to optimize treatment outcomes. Some studies are also investigating the long-term effects of immunotherapy and its potential to prevent the development of asthma in allergic individuals[6].

Aspect Details
Main Focus Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass) in allergy immunotherapy
Target Conditions Allergic rhinitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, mild to moderate asthma
Administration Methods Subcutaneous injections, sublingual immunotherapy, skin prick tests
Key Objectives Assess safety and efficacy, determine optimal dosing, evaluate symptom reduction
Participant Criteria Adults and some adolescents with confirmed grass pollen allergies
Outcome Measures Symptom scores, medication use, quality of life, immunological changes
Trial Designs Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies
Treatment Duration Varies by trial, typically several months to over a year

FAQ

  • What is Dactylis glomerata and why is it being studied? Dactylis glomerata, also known as orchard grass, is a type of grass pollen that commonly causes allergies. It is being studied as part of allergen immunotherapy treatments to help reduce allergy symptoms in people sensitive to grass pollens.
  • What types of allergies are these trials focusing on? The trials are primarily focusing on allergic rhinitis (hay fever), rhinoconjunctivitis (affecting eyes and nose), and mild to moderate allergic asthma caused by grass pollen allergies.
  • How is the Dactylis glomerata extract administered in these trials? The extract is administered in various ways depending on the trial, including subcutaneous injections, sublingual immunotherapy, and skin prick tests for diagnostic purposes.
  • What are the main goals of these clinical trials? The main goals are to assess the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy treatments containing Dactylis glomerata and other grass pollens, determine optimal dosing, and evaluate their impact on allergy symptoms and quality of life for patients.
  • Who can participate in these trials? Participants typically include adults and sometimes adolescents with confirmed grass pollen allergies, specifically those sensitive to Dactylis glomerata and other grass species. Specific age ranges and other criteria vary by trial.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Dactylis Glomerata

  • Study on the Effectiveness of PURETHAL Mites for Adults with Moderate to Severe Allergic Rhinitis or Rhinoconjunctivitis Due to House Dust Mite Allergy

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Austria Bulgaria Germany Latvia Lithuania Poland

Glossary

  • Allergic rhinitis: An allergic reaction affecting the nasal passages, commonly known as hay fever, causing symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion.
  • Rhinoconjunctivitis: An allergic condition affecting both the nasal passages and eyes, causing symptoms in both areas.
  • Immunotherapy: A treatment approach that aims to modify the immune system's response to allergens, typically by administering small, increasing doses of an allergen to build tolerance.
  • Subcutaneous: Beneath the skin. In these trials, it refers to injections given under the skin.
  • Sublingual: Under the tongue. Some immunotherapy treatments are given as drops or tablets placed under the tongue.
  • Allergen extract: A solution containing specific allergens (like grass pollen) used in immunotherapy or diagnostic tests.
  • Skin prick test: A diagnostic test where small amounts of allergens are pricked into the skin to test for allergic reactions.
  • Polymerized extract: An allergen extract that has been chemically modified to reduce allergenicity while maintaining immunogenicity.
  • ARIA classification: Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma, a guideline for classifying the severity and persistence of allergic rhinitis.
  • FEV1: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second, a measure of lung function used in assessing asthma.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-of-purethal-mites-for-adults-with-moderate-to-severe-allergic-rhinitis-or-rhinoconjunctivitis-due-to-house-dust-mite-allergy/
  2. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-sublingual-immunotherapy-with-betula-pendula-pollen-extract-for-patients-with-birch-pollen-allergy/
  3. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-of-beltavac-with-grass-pollen-extract-for-patients-with-allergic-rhinoconjunctivitis-and-possible-asthma/
  4. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-allergy-to-phleum-pratense-and-dactylis-glomerata-testing-reactions-to-phleum-pratense-and-dactylis-glomerata-pollen-extracts-in-patients-with-allergies/
  5. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-a-grass-and-juniperus-oxycedrus-allergy-vaccine-for-patients-with-allergic-rhinitis-or-rhinoconjunctivitis-with-or-without-mild-asthma/
  6. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-the-effectiveness-and-safety-of-a-grass-and-olive-pollen-allergy-vaccine-for-patients-with-allergic-rhinitis-or-asthma/