KBC Rijeka introduces immunotherapy for insect venom allergies

The Clinical Hospital Center (KBC) Rijeka has introduced a specialized immunotherapy known as hyposensitization to treat severe allergies to bee, wasp, and hornet stings. This procedure, which was previously primarily available in Zagreb, provides a regional option for patients in the Adriatic area to build resistance to insect venom and prevent life-threatening allergic reactions.

The therapy is conducted at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology and involves a two-phase process: an initial phase of gradually increasing doses of purified insect venom, followed by a maintenance phase administered every four to eight weeks. Clinical data indicates a high success rate for this treatment, with effectiveness reported between 90% and 98%. The service aims to alter the natural course of the allergic disease and improve the long-term quality of life for patients with confirmed hypersensitivity.