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A simple 3-day "rush" venom immunotherapy protocol: documentation of safety
D Kalogeromitros1, M Makris, I Koti
1Allergy Clinical Research Center, Allergy Unit, Attikon University Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, Greece.
Allergologia Et Immunopathologia
|October 27, 2009
Summary
This study shows a fast, 3-day venom immunotherapy (VIT) protocol is safe and effective for hymenoptera hypersensitivity. The rapid VIT approach offers a convenient alternative for patients needing allergy treatment.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the primary treatment for hymenoptera hypersensitivity.
- Conventional VIT protocols often require several weeks for completion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a rapid, 3-day VIT protocol.
- To assess a protocol requiring only 7 injections to reach the maintenance dose.
Main Methods:
- Forty-nine patients with documented IgE-mediated allergy received "rush" VIT.
- A 3-day protocol involved 7 injections, reaching 100 µg maintenance dose by Day 5.
- Patients were treated with Honey-Bee, Common wasp, Paper Wasp, or Mixed Vespid preparations.
Main Results:
- All patients successfully reached the maintenance dose.
- A total of 1520 injections were administered across 65 immunotherapy courses.
- Mild-to-moderate systemic reactions occurred in 9 patients (2.2% of injections).
Conclusions:
- A simple "rush" VIT protocol can be safely administered in an outpatient setting.
- This rapid induction phase offers a practical alternative for VIT.
- The protocol demonstrated good safety and efficacy in treating hymenoptera hypersensitivity.
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