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Rush hymenoptera venom immunotherapy is efficacious and safe.
G Pasaoglu1, B A Sin, Z Misirligil
1Ankara University, School of Medicine, Department of Allergy, Ankara, Turkey. guldenpasaoglu@yahoo.com
Journal of Investigational Allergology & Clinical Immunology
|August 8, 2006
Summary
Rush venom immunotherapy (VIT) is safe and effective for treating venom allergies, showing increased IgG4 levels and few systemic reactions. This rapid protection method is suitable for patients needing quick relief from Hymenoptera sting allergies.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Rapid venom immunotherapy (VIT) protocols are established as safe and effective.
- The efficacy and safety of rush VIT in Turkey remained unclarified.
- Venom allergy necessitates effective and rapid treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of rush VIT in patients with venom allergy.
- To assess early clinical and immunological responses to rush VIT.
- To determine the incidence of side effects associated with rush VIT.
Main Methods:
- Eighteen patients with severe systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings were enrolled.
- Diagnosis was confirmed via skin tests and specific IgE levels.
- Fourteen patients received a 7-day rush VIT protocol (Vespula or Apis mellifera venom), with 4 patients in a control group.
Main Results:
- Specific IgG4 levels significantly increased post-VIT (13.04 vs. 21.85 mg/L), while specific IgE levels remained unchanged.
- Skin test reactivities showed no significant differences before and after VIT.
- A low incidence of mild systemic reactions (0.85%) and more local reactions with bee venom were observed.
Conclusions:
- Rush VIT is confirmed as a safe treatment for venom allergy with a low rate of systemic reactions.
- The protocol can be considered for patients requiring rapid protection against venom allergens.
- Early clinical and immunological improvements support the use of rush VIT.