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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
11:49
Trans-vivo Delayed Type Hypersensitivity Assay for Antigen Specific Regulation
Published on: May 2, 2013
16.1K
A retrospective study of a novel 3-session rush venom immunotherapy protocol
Megan E McCarty1, Merritt L Fajt1, Leanna-Marie S Gershuni1
1Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care Medicine, and Sleep Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Summary
This study presents a safe and effective 3-session venom immunotherapy (VIT) protocol for stinging insect hypersensitivity. Most patients achieved full maintenance dosing quickly with minimal adverse reactions, offering faster protection.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is crucial for managing severe stinging insect hypersensitivity.
- Rush VIT protocols accelerate protection by enabling faster achievement of maintenance dosing.
- Existing rush VIT protocols exhibit variability in administration and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel 3-session outpatient rush venom immunotherapy (VIT) protocol.
- To assess the achievement of full therapeutic dosing by the end of the third session.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of adult patients undergoing rush VIT in an allergy/immunology clinic.
- Analysis of demographic data, sting reaction types, venom allergen numbers, and systemic reactions (SRs) during VIT.
- Evaluation of patient tolerance and attainment of maintenance dosing.
Main Results:
- 55 adult patients (median age 47) were treated over 14 years.
- 84% tolerated the protocol without systemic reactions (SRs); 96% achieved full maintenance dosing.
- All in-protocol reactions were mild (Brown anaphylaxis criteria grade 1 or 2); only 1 of 10 re-stung patients on maintenance had a mild SR.
Conclusions:
- The 3-session outpatient rush VIT protocol is both effective and safe.
- The protocol facilitates rapid attainment of maintenance dosing with non-invasive monitoring.
- This approach provides prompt protection for patients with stinging insect hypersensitivity.
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