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[Effect of rush immunotherapy (RIT) on Hymenoptera allergy].
1Department of Pulmonary Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Dokkyo University School of Medicine.
Arerugi = [Allergy]
|February 10, 2000
Summary
Rush immunotherapy (RIT) effectively prevents severe reactions to hymenoptera stings. This treatment increases specific IgG4 antibodies, offering long-term protection against allergic responses to wasp and yellow jacket venom.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Immunotherapy
- Toxicology
Context:
- Hymenoptera stings cause approximately 40 deaths annually from anaphylaxis.
- 48 patients with systemic reactions to hymenoptera stings were treated with rush immunotherapy (RIT).
- Patients had specific IgE antibodies to wasp, yellow jacket, or both.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RIT in preventing systemic reactions to hymenoptera stings.
- To analyze changes in IgE and IgG4 antibody titers following RIT.
- To determine the correlation between antibody changes and treatment effectiveness.
Summary:
- RIT involved venom extracts for patients with confirmed IgE sensitivity.
- Fifteen patients experienced re-stings post-RIT; 14 had only local reactions, one had mild generalized symptoms.
- No significant adverse reactions occurred during or after RIT for most patients.
- Serum IgE levels transiently increased then returned to baseline, while specific IgG4 antibodies showed a sustained increase for at least 3 years.
Impact:
- RIT is demonstrated as an effective strategy for preventing systemic allergic reactions to hymenoptera re-stings.
- Elevated specific IgG4 antibody titers post-RIT may contribute to its protective efficacy.
- This study supports RIT as a safe and effective treatment for hymenoptera venom allergy.