Pregnancy and Hymenoptera venom allergy

Area of Science:

• Allergy and Immunology
• Reproductive Medicine

Background:

• Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) affects 7.5% of Europeans.
• Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the sole disease-modifying treatment for anaphylaxis from HVA.
• Pregnancy necessitates a Th2 immune profile, potentially conflicting with VIT's Th2-Th1 shift.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the indications for venom immunotherapy during pregnancy.
• To assess risks of adverse events during VIT build-up and maintenance phases in pregnant patients.
• To analyze existing literature and guidelines concerning VIT in pregnancy.

Main Methods:

• Review of specific articles on venom immunotherapy in pregnancy.
• Analysis of current clinical guidelines regarding VIT during gestation.
• Synthesis of available evidence on safety and efficacy.

Main Results:

• Limited studies address VIT during pregnancy, with only one recent publication.
• Existing guidelines provide recommendations for managing HVA in pregnant individuals.
• Potential risks exist due to the immunological changes during pregnancy and VIT's mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Venom immunotherapy during pregnancy warrants cautious evaluation.
• Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of VIT in pregnant patients.
• Adherence to updated guidelines is crucial for managing HVA in pregnancy.