Management of Hymenoptera Venom Allergy in Türkiye: Observational Data from Ege University
Van Medical Journal, cilt.33, sa.3, ss.347-356, 2026 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 33 Sayı: 3
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.5505/vmj.2026.36744
- Dergi Adı: Van Medical Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.347-356
- Anahtar Kelimeler: anaphylaxis, desensitization, immunologic, epinephrine, referral and consultation, skin tests, Venom hypersensitivity
- Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
- Van Yüzüncü Yıl Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction: Hymenoptera venom allergy is a major cause of IgE-mediated anaphylaxis. Optimal management includes prompt adrenaline administration, referral to an allergy specialist, prescription of an adrenaline au toinjector, and venom immunotherapy (VIT) when indicated. Despite established international guidelines, adherence to these recommendations in real-world practice remains suboptimal. This study aimed to evaluate real-world diagnostic and therapeutic practices in patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy in Türkiye and assess their concordance with current international guidelines. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective observational study, medical records of 238 patients diagnosed with honeybee and/or vespid venom allergy at the Ege University Allergy and Immunology Clinic between 1999 and 2010 were reviewed. Collected data in cluded demographic characteristics, sting location, reaction severity (Mueller classification), acute emergency management (adrenal ine administration and specialist referral), diagnostic testing (skin prick test and venom-specific IgE), adrenaline autoinjector prescription, and VIT-related outcomes (initiation, safety, and efficacy). Results: Systemic reactions occurred in 92.4% of patients, 76.4% of which were severe (Mueller grades 3–4). Sting location was significantly associated with reaction severity (p = 0.011), with neck stings showing the highest rate of severe reactions (95%). Adrenaline was administered in only 43% of those with documented treatment information, 24% were referred to an allergy specialist, and 35.5% received an adrenaline autoinjector prescription. Venom sensitization was confirmed in 86.5%. Although VIT was recommended for 163 patients, only 50.9% initiated treatment. Among those who initiated VIT, 31% experienced mild-to-moderate injection-related adverse reactions, with no severe systemic reactions. No systemic reactions occurred following field re-stings among patients who completed VIT. Conclusion: The management of Hymenoptera venom allergy in Türkiye remains suboptimal, primarily due to underuse of adrenaline, low referral rates to allergy specialists, and limited uptake of VIT. Strategies aimed at improving physician education, stan dardizing emergency management protocols, and enhancing access to VIT are essential to optimize patient outcomes and ensure guideline-concordant care.