Allergy School Report
Hymenoptera Venom Allergy School
11 - 13 April 2013,
Munich, Germany
Fifty-one participants and 15 speakers from twenty-two countries used the opportunity to improve their knowledge on Hymenoptera venom allergy. The Allergy School was organized by the Interest Group on Hymenoptera Venom Hypersensitivity of the EAACI in collaboration with the DGAKI (German Association of Allergy and Clinical Immunology) and was held from 11 to 13 April in Munich, Germany. In the beginning, an interesting overview about the history of venom immunotherapy (VIT) was imparted by Ulrich Müller, followed by an insight of protective mechanisms of VIT by Cezmi Akdis. Knowledge on distribution and behaviour of Hymenoptera presented by Volker Mauss may help in the identification of insects. Markus Ollert and Thilo Jakob provided clues to a better diagnostics by using component resolved diagnosis for IgE-measurement. Beatrice Bilò examined the natural history of Hymenoptera venom allergy and delivered important take-home messages concerning anaphylaxis management. The first day ended with a warm welcome reception at the meeting venue.
On the second day, Gunter Sturm stated that 60% of patients with negative tests can be diagnosed with the basophil activation test. Joanne Oude Elberink remarked an elevated rate of false positive skin test reactions, when using a concentration of 1 mg venom/ml for the intradermal test, whereas the concentration 0.1 mg/ml is very specific. Franziska Ruëff pointed the role of baseline tryptase concentration; the dose-dependent effectiveness of VIT supports the option to treat patients at risk for treatment failure with an elevated venom dose. Afterwards the Junior Member DarÃo AntolÃn-Amérigo reviewed a great variety of build-up protocols, concluding that there is still too few data to give a clear recommendation for or to advise against a specific build-up schedule. Ewa Cichocka-Jarosz underlined the safety of VIT in children. Marek Niedoszytko presented a thorough review about risk factors, prevention and management of side effects. Another active Junior Member, Byrthe Vos, gave insight to the frequency of mastocytosis (around 2-3%) in Hymenoptera venom allergic patients. In order to identify mastocytosis, it was recommended to measure baseline tryptase before starting VIT, and to perform a meticulous skin examination. The day finished with a review by Constantinos Pitsios about possible contraindications of VIT, a field, in which also data on clear influencing factors are rare. Interactive Practical courses about mastocytosis, in-vitro tests, different build-up schedules and difficult cases, facilitated for intense discussion. The day ended with a typical Bavarian dinner at the Hofbräukeller with music and funny activities in a charming environment.
On Saturday, interesting case reports and posters were followed by constructive discussions. The assessment of non-Hymenoptera insect bites was elegantly exposed by Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier. Finally, Franziska Ruëff talked about the available tools for monitoring the effects of VIT, and stated that the sting challenge test is the most reliable parameter to asses efficacy of VIT.
I would especially like to thank Franziska Ruëff for a wonderful Allergy School and I take the opportunity to invite you to consider attending such meetings where speakers and delegates get to know each other and even plan future projects!
DarÃo AntolÃn-Amérigo
Last updated 21 October 2014