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Long-Term Follow-Up of Children after Venom Immunotherapy: Low Adherence to Anaphylaxis Guidelines

Claudia Fiedler1, Ulrich Miehe, Regina Treudler

  • 1Division of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig, Germany.

International Archives of Allergy and Immunology
|April 6, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Anaphylactic relapses after venom immunotherapy (VIT) occur in half of children, with significant gaps in emergency preparedness and follow-up care. Improved education and regular allergy monitoring are essential for better outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Allergy and Immunology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Long-term outcomes of pediatric venom immunotherapy (VIT) are not well-documented.
  • Limited data exists on sting recurrence and anaphylaxis relapse rates post-VIT in children.
  • Assessing adherence to anaphylaxis guidelines is crucial for patient safety.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate long-term outcomes in children following specific venom immunotherapy (VIT).
  • To determine sting recurrence and anaphylaxis relapse rates after VIT.
  • To assess adherence to anaphylaxis management guidelines, including emergency equipment availability and patient education.

Main Methods:

  • A long-term survey involving 311 children with a history of anaphylactic reactions to hymenoptera stings.
  • Data collected via chart review for patients treated with 3-year VIT between 1993-2009 and who completed a questionnaire.
  • Analysis of sting recurrence, anaphylaxis relapse, emergency kit availability, and education status.

Main Results:

  • Fifty percent (20/40) of patients experienced re-stings, with 30% (6/20) developing recurrent anaphylaxis.
  • Only 12.5% (5/40) had appropriate emergency kits, and many felt uncertain about their use.
  • Less than two-thirds received emergency management education, and 95% lacked post-VIT allergy follow-ups.

Conclusions:

  • Anaphylactic relapses are frequent in children after VIT.
  • Significant deficiencies exist in emergency preparedness and management for these patients.
  • Standardized anaphylaxis education and regular allergy follow-ups are critical for improving patient care and outcomes.
Abstract

Keywords:
Adrenaline auto-injectorAnaphylaxisChildren and adolescentsEducation programsEmergency kitsHymenoptera venom allergyLong-term protectionRe-sting reactionsVenom immunotherapy

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