[Allergy and desensitization to hymenoptera venom in children]

Among 15 children who were stung by hymenoptera, 5 underwent semi-rapid desensitization using the outpatient Molkhou method. This technique was well tolerated; desensitization was stopped when protective IgG levels measured by RIP (radioimmunoprecipitation) reached 50% and skin tests and RASTs became negative. In a comparable series of adults, however, discontinuation of the desensitization was considered only following satisfactory tolerance of an accidental or planned sting. In children, semi-rapid desensitization is very effective and has also been proposed for allergies to air borne allergens such as mites and pollens when increased doses are required to improve protection.