Factors associated with severe reactions to hymenoptera stings
Summary
The authors of this study investigated 865 reported systemic allergic reactions to hymenoptera analyzed for total and venom-specific IgE, baseline tryptase levels, age, gender, and atopic status. They correlated each of these with the severity of the sting reaction.
They found that patients older than age 55 had more severe reactions than younger patients. In addition, a baseline tryptase of greater than 11.4 micrograms/l correlated with more severe reactions. Surprisingly, patients with lower honeybee-specific IgE and total IgE tended to have more severe reactions than those with higher levels. Thus, highly severe sting reactions were associated with older age, higher baseline serum tryptase levels, and lower total IgE and venom-specific IgE to honeybee.
Reference
Blum S, et al. Influence of total and specific IgE, serum tryptase, and age on severity of allergic reactions to hymenoptera stings. Allergy 2011; 6:222-228.