Long Term Efficacy of Bee Venom Immunotherapy in Paediatric Population

Abstract Aim To determine risk of subsequent reaction to field bee sting in children who received bee venom immunotherapy. Method We followed up patients that underwent bee venom immunotherapy. This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent bee venom immunotherapy at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) between January 2009 -December 2023. Questionnaire was sent to patients to ascertain if they experienced any field bee stings following bee venom immunotherapy (HBVIT). A total of 357 patients were referred for HBVIT between January 2009-December 2023 at Princess Margaret Hospital and Perth Children’s Hospital, Perth, Western Australia. Of the 357 patients contacted, 187 (52.3%) patients completed the questionnaire and 153 (42.8%) met criteria for inclusion in the study. 34 patients had not completed HBVIT in December 2023 and were not included in the study. 2 patients (1.3%) patients experienced Anaphylaxis following HBVIT. We found a high protection rate of HBVIT. Results 2 patients (1.3%) experienced anaphylaxis following HBVIT. Conclusion Our findings indicate a high protection rate from HBVIT.