Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Φυσιολογία της Γήρανσης και Γηριατρικά ΣύνδρομαLibrary of the School of Health Sciences
Author:
Angeletou Alexandra
Supervisors info:
Πέτρος Σφηκάκης, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Νικόλαος Μήκος, Διευθυντής ΕΣΥ, Αλλεργιολογικό Τμήμα, Γ.Ν.Α «ΛΑΪΚΟ»
Ευριδίκη Κραββαρίτη, Εντεταλμένη Διδάσκουσα, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Η ανοσοθεραπεία σε δηλητήριο υμενοπτέρων σε ασθενείς άνω των 60 ετών
Translated title:
Hymenopteran venom specific immunotherapy in individuals aged 60 and older
Summary:
Introduction: Allergic reactions to hymenopteran venom can be severe, especially in the elderly, due to compromised physiological responses and the prevalence of comorbidities.
Aim: This study focuses on the efficacy and safety of venom-specific immunotherapy in individuals aged 60 and older, aiming to reduce the severity of allergic incidents and improve their quality of life through sustained medical intervention. This age group presents unique challenges due to the high prevalence of comorbid conditions and polypharmacy.
Materials and Methods: The current study enrolled 51 patients who received immunotherapy following standardized protocols. Efficacy was evaluated by the ability to tolerate hymenopteran stings during follow-up, while safety was assessed through the incidence of adverse reactions to the immunotherapy regimen.
Results: Of the 51 participants, none experienced immunotherapy failure, and only two reported adverse reactions during dose escalation, both of which were managed effectively and continued with the therapy. Long-term follow-up showed that 90.2% of the patients continued the treatment beyond ten years, demonstrating significant clinical benefits and tolerability. These patients exhibited a robust tolerance to subsequent natural stings, confirming the protective efficacy of prolonged immunotherapy. We also evaluated serum tryptase levels, a biomarker for mast cell activation, and found that even patients with elevated tryptase responded favorably to treatment.
Conclusions: The study concludes that venom-specific immunotherapy is effective and safe for the elderly, reducing the severity of reactions to hymenoptera stings and enhancing quality of life. It also underscores the importance of continuous immunotherapy in providing long-term protection against potential anaphylaxis, particularly in elderly individuals who are often at greater risk due to existing comorbidities. The findings advocate for the broader adoption of immunotherapy, tailored to meet the complex needs of the aging population.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Immunotherapy, Hymenopteran venom, Elderly, Anaphylaxis, Serum tryptase
