Maintenance venom immunotherapy administered at a 3-month interval preserves safety and efficacy and improves adherence.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a safe and effective approach to insect sting allergy. However, after discontinuation, relapses can occur in some patients, especially those with a high occupational risk, and they may need to prolong VIT indefinitely. In order to improve adherence, we propose extending the interval between injections of maintenance VIT (MVIT).

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient acceptance of a 3-month interval between MVIT injections in a group of Hymenoptera-allergic patients who are occupationally exposed to insect stings.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We included 72 patients with severe systemic reactions to Hymenoptera stings. MVIT was administered for 4 years at intervals increasing up to 3 months and then continued for a further 2 years. Patients were informed of the risk of relapse after discontinuation and of the need for indefinite treatment at 3-month intervals.

RESULTS:

During the 3-month interval maintenance phase, only 235 local reactions (17.8%) were observed in 17 patients. Sixty patients experienced 125 field re-stings and only 1 experienced a systemic reaction with generalized urticaria.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study confirms that the conventional MVIT interval of 4 to 6 weeks can be extended to 3 months in most patients with no adverse events, while maintaining safety and efficacy, improving adherence, and guaranteeing safe continuation of professional activity.

• Authors: E Cavallucci, S Ramondo, A Renzetti, M C Turi, F Di Claudio, M Braga, C Incorvaia, C Schiavone, E Ballone, M Di Gioacchino
• Journal: Journal of investigational allergology & clinical immunology (J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol) Vol. 20 Issue 1 Pg. 63-8 ( 2010) ISSN: 1018-9068 [Print] Spain
• PMID: 20232775 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bee Venoms
• Wasp Venoms

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Bee Venoms (administration & dosage, immunology)
• Desensitization, Immunologic (adverse effects, methods)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Humans
• Hypersensitivity (therapy)
• Insect Bites and Stings (therapy)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Compliance
• Wasp Venoms (administration & dosage, immunology)