Hymenoptera venom allergy is a growing problem. A Spanish study analyzed 21 paediatric patients treated with venom immunotherapy. The maintenance dose administered was 100 mcg (the approximate amount of venom delivered during 2 honeybee stings).Two systemic reactions (both with an Apis extract) were registered. Both the cutaneous test and specific IgE showed a reduction at the end of treatment.
Seven patients (33 %) suffered a spontaneous re-stung during the maintenance phase or after immunotherapy was completed. In 4 patients there was no allergic reaction and the other 3 children suffered a mild local reaction.
The authors concluded that venom immunotherapy is a safe and effective treatment in pediatric patients with hymenoptera venom allergy.
References:
Hymenoptera venom allergy: characteristics, tolerance and efficacy of immunotherapy in the paediatric population. Carballada González FJ, Crehuet Almirall M, Manjón Herrero A, De la Torre F, Boquete París M. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr). 2009 May-Jun;37(3):111-5.
Hymenoptera-Sting Hypersensitivity - NEJM review, 2014 http://buff.ly/1mEZX8z
Honeybee immunotherapy is less safe and less effective than for other flying Hymenoptera http://goo.gl/RgAjj
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