Journal of Allergy & Therapy

Abstract

Safety of Modified Ultra-Rush Venom Immunotherapy in Children

Steiß JO, Lindemann H and Zimmer KP

Background: As many as 5% of the population in Central Europe suffer from insect venom allergy. The protective effect of conventional specific immunotherapy is quite convincing, as it is associated with a success rate up to 95%. We report our experience concerning ultra-rush dose titration in children and adolescents.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the safety and tolerability of a shortened insect venom immunotherapy in children.

Patients and methods: A modified version of the ultra-rush procedure was initiated for 38 bee venom and 54 wasp venom allergies in 90 patients (56 boys and 34 girls) aged 4 to 17 years. Consolidation therapy consisted of 100 μg boost injections administered after seven and 21 days while maintenance therapy was administered every four to six weeks.

Results: All patients developed local reactions under VIT, of whom 20 had extensive reddening (>5 cm-20 cm), 15 patients developed significant wheals (5 cm-15 cm), and two patients with a bee venom allergy had systemic reactions which could be controlled well. Maintenance therapy was tolerated well by all patients.

Conclusion: Ultra-rush titration is safe, tolerable and effective in children and adolescents, in addition to being associated with greater compliance and shorter hospital stays when compared to conventional therapy regimens. No serious side effects were registered. All patients could be discharged from the hospital at the latest after 48 hours.