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Insect anaphylaxis: where are we? The stinging facts 2012
James M Tracy1, Fatima S Khan, Jeffrey G Demain
1Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. jmtracy@cox.net
Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|June 26, 2012
Summary
Recent advancements have improved the diagnosis and management of stinging insect hypersensitivity. Updated guidelines reflect expanded knowledge on insect allergy, benefiting long-term patient care.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Practice Guidelines
Background:
- Insect allergy is a significant public health concern in the United States, causing substantial morbidity and mortality.
- Practice parameters for stinging insect hypersensitivity were previously updated in 1999, 2004, and 2011.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key changes in the management of insect hypersensitivity since the 2004 guidelines.
- To present the current understanding of insect hypersensitivity diagnosis and management.
Main Methods:
- Review of practice parameters and relevant literature.
- Focus on changes between the 2004 and 2011 Joint Task Force (JTF) on Practice Parameters for stinging insect hypersensitivity.
Main Results:
- Significant contributions to understanding insect allergy have been incorporated into the 2011 guidelines.
- European and British allergy groups also updated their recommendations in 2005 and 2011, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Expanded knowledge of insect allergy's natural history, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, and risk factors.
- These advancements aim to enhance the long-term management of stinging insect hypersensitivity.
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