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[Effects and complications of specific immunotherapy]
A Sabbah1, M Drouet, J Le Sellin
1Laboratoire d'Immuno-allergologie, C.H.U., Angers, France.
Allergie Et Immunologie
|April 1, 1986
Summary
Specific immunotherapy can cause local and systemic reactions, including anaphylaxis, particularly with grass pollens and hymenoptera venoms. Careful clinical management by allergy experts is crucial for preventing adverse events.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Allergology
Context:
- Specific immunotherapy (SI) involves administering allergen extracts to desensitize patients.
- Observed reactions during SI range from local effects to severe systemic events like anaphylactic shock.
- The timing and severity of reactions depend on allergen type (aqueous vs. delayed) and patient health status.
Purpose:
- To analyze the types and causes of local and systemic reactions during specific immunotherapy.
- To highlight the risks associated with allergen standardization and the importance of understanding laboratory-specific standards.
- To establish correlations between histamine release levels and systemic reactions in hymenoptera venom immunotherapy.
Summary:
- Systemic reactions during SI, often exacerbations of existing symptoms, can be triggered by antigenic overdose or underlying health conditions.
- Grass pollens and hymenoptera venoms are frequently associated with systemic reactions.
- A positive histamine release test (>60%) during hymenoptera venom SI correlates with systemic reactions.
Impact:
- Epinephrine is critical for treating anaphylactic reactions.
- Preventing SI-related incidents requires vigilant clinical care provided by allergy specialists in coordination with family physicians.
- Improved understanding of allergen standardization and reaction monitoring can enhance patient safety during SI.