Pregnancy and Hymenoptera venom allergy. Issue 5 (October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonadonna, Patrizia; Mauro, Marina; Preziosi, Donatella; Pravettoni, Valerio
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in allergy and clinical immunology. Volume 20:Issue 5(2020:Oct.)
• Publication Date: 2020-10
• Subjects: Hymenoptera venom allergy -- pregnancy -- venom immunotherapy; Allergy -- Periodicals; Clinical immunology -- Periodicals; Hypersensitivity; Immunity; Immune System Diseases; Allergy and Immunology; 616.079
• DOI: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000681
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1528-4050

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: To evaluate the indication to perform venom immunotherapy (VIT) during pregnancy considering the risks of adverse events during the build-up phase or the maintenance phase and analyzing specific articles and guidelines on VIT. Recent findings: Only few studies treat this argument and literature only counts one recent study on the topic, whereas recent guidelines state the behavior to keep in pregnancy. Summary: Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) affects about 7.5% of the European population. VIT is the only effective disease-modifying treatment for patients presenting anaphylactic reactions. VIT counts several mechanisms of action, with the increase of IgG1 and IgG4 and a cytokine impairment inducing a Th2–Th1 shift. Pregnancy is a health condition where a Th2 profile is required to prevent fetal rejection, so VIT could be a problem for the fetus when started during pregnancy.