Intralymphatic Immunotherapy (Quick-LI)

What is Intralymphatic Immunotherapy?

The Quick-LI procedure (quick lymphatic immunotherapy) consists of 3 visits with increasing doses of allergen given at each visit. You will receive one injection per month. The procedure is done under ultrasound guidance and takes about 5-10 minutes to perform. The injection site is in the pelvic region (bikini area) as the lymph nodes here are the safest and largest to access. You will be monitored in the waiting area for 60 minutes following the procedure.

St. Louis Family Allergy is excited to offer intralymphatic immunotherapy for the treatment of environmental allergies. Only a few centers in the country provide this service. Quick-Li, the procedure named and refined by Dr. Brynn Everist, has seen great success in Kansas City. Dr. Everist’s patients have experienced excellent outcomes, and we are thrilled to bring this innovative procedure to our office!

To learn more about Dr. Everist’s allergy center in Kansas City, visit: https://prairieallergykc.com/

in St. Louis, Missouri

Quick-LI vs. Regular Allergy Shots

Less Frequent Visits

Injections consist of only 3 visits over 2 months. Typical allergy shots regimens consist of weekly visits for about 6 months and monthly visits for about 5 years, totaling over 70 visits.

Lower Doses

When the allergen is injected directly to the lymph node, a much smaller dose is required. Typical allergy shots are injected into the fat and need to be carried to the lymph node. This requires a much larger dose to ensure that a sufficient amount reaches the lymph node.

Less Allergic Reactions

There are no mast cells in the lymph node. These are the cells that trigger an allergic reaction after exposure to an allergen. Because of this and the lower dose administered, allergic reactions are much less frequent than with typical allergy shots.

Less Pain

Lymph nodes do not contain nerves and are less than a centimeter below the skin surface. Studies have confirmed that the procedure is practically painless (less painful than when you have your blood drawn).

Faster Onset

Though some patients notice benefit, sooner, relief should occur by 4 months after the initial injection. Typical allergy shots take about 6 months to become effective.

Equivalent (or Better) Benefit

Studies have shown that intralymphatic immunotherapy, after only 3 shots, has similar efficacy to at least 3 years of regular allergy shots. However, if optimal results have not been reached after 3 shots, some centers administer up to 2 additional monthly shots. Occasionally patient may also benefit from seasonal boosters as well. Though, this is likely to be the exception and not the norm.

in St. Louis, Missouri

Intralymphatic Immunotherapy FAQs

Who will benefit from Intralymphatic Immunotherapy?

Anyone with significant allergies from environmental triggers (ie. dust mites, pets, pollens, molds).

Is anyone not a candidate for Intralymphatic Immunotherapy?

We currently only administer injections to age 18 and over. Unfortunately, we cannot offer this procedure to patients with active cancer, serious autoimmune disease, or while pregnant.

How many allergens can I be treated for?

You may be treated with multiple allergens at once, as you would with traditional allergy shots. We only administer 2 injections at a time, so we may still need to limit the amount of allergens administered.

When should I receive my treatment?

Treatment can be administered at any time of the year. However, since it can take some time for it to take effect, it is recommended to start 8 weeks prior to your worst allergy season.

What are the side effects?

Patients may have local swelling or irritation at the site of injection. Reactions are generally mild.

What are the risks of Quick-LI?

Just as with traditional allergy shots, there can be risk of anaphylaxis. We have medications on site for treatment of such reactions, including epinephrine, antihistamines, steroids, etc. Other rare complications may include reactions at the injection site (ie. bleeding, discomfort, infection, damage to nerves or tissue).

Is Intralymphatic Immunotherapy covered by insurance?

Intralymphatic immunotherapy is not currently covered by insurance and is a self pay procedure. Payment will be taken at the first visit or prior to each injection.

What is the cost of Intralymphatic Immunotherapy?

The cost of intralymphatic immunotherapy is $3300 for the entire procedure. This includes the cost of allergy serums, making up individual vials for each patient and the procedure itself.