[Specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) with insect venom in pregnancy]

Pregnancy typically prohibits the specific immunotherapy (SIT) of various allergic conditions, with the exception of pre-existing Hymenoptera venom allergies. International consensus currently recommends the continuation of a well-tolerated SIT with insect venom during pregnancy, since there is a significant risk of anaphylaxis after insect stings with potentially dismal outcomes for mother and fetus.

We report on a 28-year old woman, becoming pregnant during specific immunotherapy with Hymenoptera venom. SIT was continued during pregnancy and a premature birth occurred at the 24th week.

Unfortunately, there are still conflicting opinions in Germany regarding SIT during pregnancy, and the decision to perform such therapy is entirely based on knowledge and/or level of comfort of the primary physician. Thus, obstetricians should closely work together with an allergologist in cases of pregnant women with insect sting allergies.