@article{ref1,
title="Hymenoptera sting challenge of 348 patients: relation to subsequent field stings",
journal="Journal of allergy and clinical immunology",
year="1996",
author="van Halteren, H. K. and van der Linden, P. W. and Burgers, S. A. and Bartelink, A. K.",
volume="97",
number="5",
pages="1058-1063",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Patients with a history of a serious anaphylactic reaction after a Hymenoptera sting are usually given venom immunotherapy. Because the natural history of Hymenoptera sting anaphylaxis is often of a declining severity, there is a chance of overtreatment. OBJECTIVE: Identification of patients at risk for a future anaphylactic reaction may reduce the number of patients who need venom immunotherapy. METHODS: We investigated the relation between the grade of hypersensitivity to an in-hospital sting challenge and the reaction to a subsequent accidental field sting. From 1982 through 1992, 348 patients with mild or no symptoms after a sting challenge were not given venom immunotherapy. All patients were asked by letter whether they had experienced a subsequent field sting. In case of a sting, the severity of the reaction was further evaluated. RESULTS: Information could be obtained from 327 patients: 129 had been re-stung, and 110 of them had only had a local reaction. Thirteen patients had experienced mild systemic symptoms, and six patients had experienced serious manifestations. In two of the latter group hypotension was observed. CONCLUSION: In 95% of patients with a previous anaphylactic reaction, the result of the in-hospital sting challenge provided a good prediction of tolerance to a subsequent Hymenoptera field sting.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0091-6749",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}