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Hymenoptera venom allergy in children and adolescents
Francesca Norelli1, Valentina Gueli1, Patrizia Bonadonna2
1Department of Medicine, University of Verona.
Insights
Hymenoptera venom allergy is a significant cause of anaphylaxis in children, impacting quality of life. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the only effective treatment to prevent severe reactions from future stings.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Clinical Toxicology
- Immunotherapy Research
Background:
- Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) is a notable cause of anaphylaxis in pediatric populations.
- Allergic reactions to Hymenoptera venom significantly affect children's quality of life.
- Existing research on HVA in children and adolescents remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize current data on Hymenoptera venom allergy in pediatric patients.
- To highlight key studies concerning venom immunotherapy (VIT) and its prognostic outcomes in children.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of HVA in children and adolescents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published data on Hymenoptera venom allergy in children and adolescents.
- Analysis of studies focusing on venom immunotherapy (VIT) protocols, safety, and efficacy.
- Synthesis of information on incidence, prevalence, risk factors, and diagnostic approaches for HVA in pediatric populations.
Main Results:
- Hymenoptera venom allergy is the second leading cause of anaphylaxis in children.
- Cutaneous reactions are most common, with a generally more favorable prognosis compared to adults.
- Factors influencing reaction severity include age, sex, and comorbidities.
Conclusions:
- Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is the sole therapeutic intervention capable of altering the natural course of HVA and preventing systemic reactions.
- Early diagnosis and appropriate management, including VIT, are crucial for improving outcomes in pediatric HVA.
- Further research is warranted to expand the understanding and treatment strategies for HVA in children and adolescents.
Purpose Of Review:
This review will identify and summarize the published existing data pertaining specifically to Hymenoptera venom allergy in children and adolescents, highlighting the major studies currently available on venom immunotherapy (VIT) and its prognosis in children.
Recent Findings:
The current review covers the incidence and prevalence of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) in children, factors influencing occurrence and severity of reactions (age, sex, comorbidities, etc.), indications to perform diagnostic tests and start VIT in children, different existing VIT protocols and their safety and efficacy.
Summary:
Hymenoptera venom allergy is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis in children and it considerably affects quality of life. Cutaneous reactions are the most prevalent clinical presentation in children who usually have a more favourable prognosis than adult patients. However, studies on HVA in children and adolescents are still limited. Currently VIT is the only treatment able to modify the natural history of HVA in adults as well as in children, and to protect patients from systemic reactions after subsequent stings.
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