Allergen immunotherapy-induced anaphylaxis: Data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Meslina Almaci - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Regina Treudler - , Leipzig University, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)
  • Maria Breiding - , University of Zurich (Author)
  • Alice Köhli - , Cantonal Hospital Luzern (Author)
  • Lars Lange - , GFO Hospitals Bonn (Author)
  • Claudia Pföhler - , Saarland University (Author)
  • Christian Vogelberg - , Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden (Author)
  • Margitta Worm - , Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (Author)

Abstract

Background: Data on anaphylaxis due to allergen immunotherapy (AIT) are limited. This study assessed AIT-induced anaphylaxis using data from the European Anaphylaxis Registry. Objective: To analyze the characteristics, symptoms, severity, and emergency management of AIT-induced anaphylactic reactions across age groups and the administered allergenic source. Methods: Data were obtained from 54 allergy centers across 10 European countries from 2007 to 2023. Anaphylactic reactions involving at least 2 organ systems were analyzed for symptoms, severity, associated diseases, administration routes, and emergency treatment. Statistical methods included χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Results: AIT accounted for 1.1% of the cases in the anaphylaxis registry (173/15,748), of which 1.8% were pediatric and 0.7% were adults. Respiratory symptoms were more frequent in children/adolescents (92%) than in adults (66%) among AIT-related anaphylaxis, whereas cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms were more common in adults (40% vs 78% and 20% vs 42%, respectively). Only a few sublingual immunotherapy-related cases were documented, including 2 grade III reactions, with no fatalities (sublingual immunotherapy [n = 8] vs subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) [n = 153]). One fatality due to SCIT was reported (grass pollen). Delayed reactions (>30 minutes) were reported in 22 cases, predominantly after SCIT. All delayed grade III reactions that occurred more than 120 minutes were reported in children. Adrenaline was underused in emergency management and administered in 30% of grade II and 50% of grade III reactions. Conclusion: Our study highlights the importance of age-specific monitoring and appropriate emergency treatment to enhance patient safety during AIT.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)724-730
Number of pages7
JournalAnnals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
Volume134
Issue number6
Early online date22 Feb 2025
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 39993472