The Hymenoptera venom study I, 1979-1982: demographics and history-sting data.

Abstract

The Hymenoptera venom study, a study based on case histories, skin test results and adverse reactions, immunotherapy and adverse reactions, and treatment efficacy, for 3236 Hymenoptera-allergic subjects, was begun in 1979 after the Food and Drug Administration approval of Hymenoptera venoms. Eighty-four Fellows and Members of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology participated in the study. All subjects had a history of an adverse reaction to one or more Hymenoptera insects. The mean age was 30 1/2 years (range 1 to 83 years). Male subjects accounted for 61.5% and female subjects, 38.5%; 3.1% were beekeepers and 32.3% were atopic. Demographic data were similar for subgroups. There was an average of 2.7 history stings per subject. At least one systemic reaction (SR) was reported by 2866 subjects (89%); 2219 (69%) experienced an SR after their most recent sting before entry into the study, and 70% had experienced only a single SR. Moderate to severe SRs were equally likely after stings of yellow jacket, white-faced hornet, and yellow hornet (65%), honeybee (67%), or wasp (70%), although historical SRs were reported more often after stings of yellow jacket, white-faced hornet, or yellow hornet (30%) than after honeybee (19%) or wasp (14%) stings. No association was noted between the number of stings per episode and severity of the SR. Fifty-one percent of SRs were reported as occurring within 10 minutes of sting; however, the onset of a moderate to severe SR sometimes occurred at 301 or more minutes after a sting episode. Of 2219 subjects with an SR after their most recent sting before entry into the study, 68% received epinephrine for treatment.

• Authors: R F Lockey, P C Turkeltaub, I A Baird-Warren, C A Olive, E S Olive, B C Peppe, S C Bukantz
• Journal: The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology (J Allergy Clin Immunol) Vol. 82 Issue 3 Pt 1 Pg. 370-81 (Sep 1988) ISSN: 0091-6749 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3170986 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Bee Venoms
• Wasp Venoms
• Epinephrine

Topics

• Animals
• Bee Venoms
• Epinephrine (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Hymenoptera
• Hypersensitivity (mortality, therapy)
• Insect Bites and Stings (immunology, mortality)
• Time Factors
• Wasp Venoms