Fifty patients were randomly selected who had markedly elevated titers of serum venom-specific IgE (range 100–340 IU, mean 144 IU), and compared with 50 patients with low titers (range 0–50 IU, mean 25 IU). At the time serum was obtained, none of the patients had received venom immunotherapy (VIT). Analysis of the demographic data showed more children in the high-RAST group, and comparable matching of the groups for sex, presence of atopy, and culprit insect identification. The nature of the reaction preceding evaluation was similar in both groups. In the high-RAST group, there were 12 local, 15 mild systemic, and 23 severe systemic reactions. In the low-RAST group, there were 8 local, 15 mild systemic, and 27 severe systemic reactions. Other prior local reactions had occurred in 4 high-RAST and 4 low-RAST patients, and other prior systemic reactions had occurred in 3 high-RAST and 8 low-RAST patients. The incidence of systemic and local reactions following VTT was low in both groups. All but 1 patient in each group reached maintenance venom doses. Following initiation of VIT, 10 of 28 patients in the high-RAST group and 5 of 29 patients in the low-RAST group had a further rise in antibody titers. Patients in both groups showed a decrease in titers over a period of time, with or without VTT. Serum venom-specific IgG was greater in the high-RAST group (mean 9.4 U) than in the low-RAST group (mean 3.8 U). The absolute titers of serum venom-specific IgE appear unrelated to any specific feature of stinging insect sensitivity.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 1989 S. Karger AG, Basel
1989
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.