BACKGROUND: In Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy, the maintenance dose is usually 100 microg. However, persistent systemic reactions to sting challenges could be treated by an increase in the maintenance dose to 200 microg with success, suggesting greater efficiency. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 2 monthly maintenance doses (100 microg vs 200 microg) on skin test sensitivity and venom specific IgE antibody levels. METHODS: Twenty-two patients receiving Vespula venom immunotherapy were enrolled in this retrospective study. After rush therapy, the 100-microg maintenance dose initially administered was maintained (group 1, n = 13) or was increased to 200 microg (group 2, n = 9). RESULTS: Levels of venom specific IgE antibody and skin test results measured before the onset of immunotherapy were comparable in both groups. Unlike in group 1, a maintenance dose of 200 microg resulted in significant decreases in venom specific IgE antibody levels and skin test sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the monthly maintenance dose to 200 microg results in a greater degree of change in venom specific IgE antibody levels and skin test sensitivity than when maintaining a 100-microg dose. Our data strengthen those of previous clinical studies showing the usefulness of a 200-microg maintenance dose in the case of clinical failure of a 100-microg dose.
BACKGROUND: In Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy, the maintenance dose is usually 100 microg. However, persistent systemic reactions to sting challenges could be treated by an increase in the maintenance dose to 200 microg with success, suggesting greater efficiency. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of 2 monthly maintenance doses (100 microg vs 200 microg) on skin test sensitivity and venom specific IgE antibody levels. METHODS: Twenty-two patients receiving Vespula venom immunotherapy were enrolled in this retrospective study. After rush therapy, the 100-microg maintenance dose initially administered was maintained (group 1, n = 13) or was increased to 200 microg (group 2, n = 9). RESULTS: Levels of venom specific IgE antibody and skin test results measured before the onset of immunotherapy were comparable in both groups. Unlike in group 1, a maintenance dose of 200 microg resulted in significant decreases in venom specific IgE antibody levels and skin test sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the monthly maintenance dose to 200 microg results in a greater degree of change in venom specific IgE antibody levels and skin test sensitivity than when maintaining a 100-microg dose. Our data strengthen those of previous clinical studies showing the usefulness of a 200-microg maintenance dose in the case of clinical failure of a 100-microg dose.