Successfully Overcoming Allergy to Anakinra Through Intravenous Desensitization in a Child "Case Report"

Anakinra, a recombinant interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor antagonist, is effective in treating autoinflammatory conditions in children; however, it may elicit a hypersensitive reaction, thus requiring desensitization. We report a case wherein a novel intravenous Anakinra desensitization protocol was applied for a child with hypersensitivity and needle phobia. A 10-year-old girl with tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) and Anakinra hypersensitivity underwent a 12-step intravenous desensitization protocol at the Royal Hospital, Oman. Intravenous desensitization was successful without adverse events. Subsequent subcutaneous Anakinra administration was well tolerated without further hypersensitivity or inflammatory episodes. This case demonstrates successful intravenous desensitization against Anakinra in a child with TRAPS and needle phobia, thus enabling continued treatment. This approach may benefit others facing similar challenges and warrants further research.