Adverse reactions to venom immunotherapy
Ramirez, D.A.; Londono, S.; Evans, R.
Annals of Allergy 47(6): 435-439
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4738 PMID: 7325415 Document Number: 176818
Details are given of 22 cases treated by the authors that involved adult patients with histories of systemic hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera. Treatment was with venom extracts using a traditional approach to immunotherapy. The patients showed an immunological response consisting of an increase in venom-specific IgE and IgG. Twelve of the patients underwent an insect-sting challenge uneventfully in hospital. Injections of venom extract elicited large local reactions in 50% of the patients for which subsequent venom dosages were adjusted proportionately to the local reaction. Using this approach, the authors observed no systemic reactions to venom therapy. It is concluded that systemic reactions to venom immunotherapy may be reduced by adjustment of the venom dose after local reactions to therapy, without loss of efficacy. A group of 22 adult patients with histories of systemic hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera venom was treated with venom extracts using a traditional approach to immunotherapy. Patients had an immunological response consisting of an increase in venom-specific IgE and IgG. Twelve patients underwent an uneventful insect sting challenge. Injections of venom extract elicited large local reactions in 50% of the patients for whom subsequent venom dosages were adjusted proportionately to the local reaction. Using this method no systemic reactions to venom therapy were observed. It is concluded that systemic reactions to venom immunotherapy may be lessened by the adjustment of the venom dose after local reactions to therapy, without a loss of efficacy.Author.