Long-term adherence to imported fire ant subcutaneous immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Imported fire ant (IFA) whole-body extract subcutaneous immunotherapy (IT) is a safe and effective treatment for IFA hypersensitivity, with a recommended length of treatment of 3 to 5 years. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate long-term IFA IT adherence in patients with IFA allergy living in an endemic area. METHODS: During 2007 to 2014, patients with IFA-sting systemic reactions and a recommendation to start IFA IT were prospectively enrolled in this study. Subjects were contacted annually for interval IT adherence. Institutional review board approval was obtained. RESULTS: A total of 87 subjects, ages 2 to 64 years, with a recommendation to initiate IFA IT, were enrolled. Subjects were predominantly adult (76%) and female (55%), and 30% had asthma. Of these patients, 77 (89%) initiated treatment within 1 year of recommendation; 18 (23%) adhered to a 3-year course; and 10 (13%) adhered to a 5-year course. At 3 years, there were no significant differences in adherence between male and female subjects (28% vs 19%, P = .33), children and adults (25% vs 22%, P = .79), or those with or without asthma (30% vs 20%, P = .31). Adherence in subjects with mild initial reactions was lower than in subjects with moderate-to-severe reactions (0% vs 25%, P = .05) at 3 years only. Conventional buildup and concurrent flying Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy were predictive of adherence. Reasons for discontinuation were relocation to a nonendemic area (29%) and inconvenience (27%). CONCLUSION: This study showed poor long-term adherence to IFA IT at 3 and 5 years. Initial sting severity, buildup protocol, and concurrent flying Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy were predictors for long-term IT adherence.

Characteristics of venom allergy at initial evaluation: Is fire ant hypersensitivity similar to flying Hymenoptera?

BACKGROUND: Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) is a well-established cause of anaphylaxis; however, studies comparing patients with imported fire ant (IFA) to flying hymenoptera (FH) allergies are lacking. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to characterize the initial presentation and examine differences between patients with IFA and FH reactions. METHODS: A multiyear (2007-2014), observational, single-institution analysis of patients referred for evaluation of HVA was performed. Data was obtained via physician interview, chart review and specific IgE results. RESULTS: 175 patients were enrolled with no difference between FH and IFA patients when analyzing mean age, sex or likelihood to seek emergency department (ED) care. Asthma was similar in all groups at 21%. ED treatments were also similar (epinephrine: 32/150, 21%; antihistamines: 141/155, 91%; corticosteroids: 67/148, 45%). Reaction severity correlated with likelihood of ED visit (P <.001), use of epinephrine (P <.001) and corticosteroid use (P <.05). Patients presenting to the ED with anaphylaxis received epinephrine in 27/73 (37%) of cases. Overall, 149/175 (85%) patients in our cohort were confirmed to be sensitized to hymenoptera. Of those with positive testing 127/149 (85%) chose to pursue VIT. CONCLUSION: IFA and FH patients have many similarities at presentation. Asthma occurred 2.5 times more frequently our cohort compared to the general US population. Epinephrine administration in our cohort was suboptimal. Children have initial reactions and are treated in the ED similarly to adults, with a notable (although not statistically significant) reduced use of epinephrine. The majority of patients seen in the ED and subsequently followed up in an allergy clinic had their venom allergy confirmed and initiated life-saving immunotherapy.

Adherence to imported fire ant subcutaneous immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Imported fire ant (IFA) subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) is safe and effective. For optimal protection, SCIT is given monthly for 3 to 5 years. Successful outcomes require patient adherence. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate SCIT adherence in IFA allergic patients in an endemic area. METHODS: Patients with systemic reactions to an IFA sting, with detectable specific IgE, who received a recommendation to start IFA SCIT were included. Initial reaction severity and demographic data were collected. Patients were contacted at 1 year regarding interval reactions to stings, SCIT adherence, and reason for nonadherence. Adherence rates were analyzed for association with age, sex, and severity of initial reaction. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients were enrolled, and 71% adhered to the recommendation to start IFA SCIT. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. At 1 year, 97% completed follow-up for analysis, and only 35% remained adherent. Subgroup analysis did not find significant differences. Inconvenience and fear were reported as reasons for not following the recommendation to start or continue with IFA SCIT. CONCLUSION: IFA SCIT is a life-saving therapy that is safe and effective. Despite this, only 71% followed the recommendation to start, and at 1 year only 35% remained adherent. Adherence was not statistically related to age, sex, or severity of initial reaction. Logistical constraints and fear were significant impediments.

HIV: practical implications for the practicing allergist-immunologist.

OBJECTIVES: To review the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) on allergic diseases and discuss the clinical, pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic challenges unique to HIV-infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). DATA SOURCES: The MEDLINE and OVID databases were searched to identify pertinent articles using the following keywords: HIV, AIDS, IgE, allergic rhinitis, adverse drug reaction, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, food allergy, and immunization. References from the chosen articles were also examined. STUDY SELECTION: Articles were selected based on their relevance to the subject matter and currency. RESULTS: Human immunodeficiency virus infection causes immunologic alterations that ultimately lead to cell-mediated immune deficiency. In addition, the immune dysfunction caused by HIV also increases the likelihood of developing allergic and other immune-mediated diseases in many patients. HAART is associated with reconstitution of immune system function. While offering protection against infection, immune reconstitution also can provoke immunopathologic conditions. Patients infected with HIV show an increased prevalence of allergic rhinitis, adverse drug reactions, and noninfectious pulmonary complications. The pathophysiology of HIV infection is associated with unique clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic considerations when treating allergic diseases in HIV-infected patients. CONCLUSIONS: With the use of HAART and the subsequent decrease in infectious complications, HIV-infected patients now live longer and experience common chronic diseases. Evaluation of HIV-infected patients with rhinitis, asthma, and adverse drug reactions may become more frequent as HAART continues to extend the life expectancy of patients living with HIV. Understanding the interactions between HIV and these conditions can facilitate a knowledgeable approach to treating an HIV-infected patient.