Modified rapid venom desensitization

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Abstract
The clinical and immunologic response to a modified rapid (r) regimen of [yellow jacket and bee] venom immunotherpay was evaluated and compared to a traditional (t) therapeutic regimen. Patients (19) in the r group received a starting dose of 0.01 .mu.g and reached a maintenance dose of 50 .mu.g in 7 wk. Patients (12) in the t group received an average of 21 injections on a weekly basis, reaching the same maintenance dose. The age and sex distribution and pre-treatment venom-specific IgE titers (RAST [radioallergosorbent test]) of both groups were comparable. There were 13 local reactions to venom therapy in both groups and no systemic reactions. Following therapy, most patients developed a rising titer of serum venom-specific IgG (V-IgG). Serum venom-specific IgE (V-IgE) changes were similar in the 2 groups; over half of the patients had a falling titer when on maintenance dose. Patients (12) were re-stung after reaching maintenance dose. Only 1 developed a mild systemic reaction, an individual who failed to show a V-IgG response with rapid therapy. Of 9 patients, 5 did not have an anamnestic V-IgE response. This rapid method of venom immunotherapy appears to be safe, clinically effective and comparable to traditional dosing without additional adverse reaction.

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