Impact of specific immunotherapy and sting challenge on the quality of life in patients with hymenoptera venom allergy.

Background: An experienced life-threating anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera venom can sustainably impair patients' quality of life (QoL). Besides carrying emergency medication, venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT) exists as a causal treatment of allergy.

Objective: This study aimed to examine QoL, anxiety, depression, and physical and mental health in patients allergic to hymenoptera venom before and during VIT and the impact of a tolerated sting challenge (SC).

Benefits and limitations of sting challenge in hymenoptera venom allergy.

The prevalence of systemic reactions to hymenoptera stings is up to 7.5%. Venom-specific immunotherapy (VIT) is an established treatment for insect venom allergy.

Safety and tolerability of venom immunotherapy: Evaluation of 581 rush- and ultra-rush induction protocols (safety of rush and ultra-rush venom immunotherapy).

Background: Current literature is inconsistent regarding the risk of severe side effects using accelerated induction protocols in Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (VIT). In addition, several data indicate the influence of purity grade of venom preparation on tolerability. We evaluated the safety and tolerability of ultra-rush and rush build-up protocols using purified and non-purified venom preparations.