Two cases of anaphylaxis due to bee venom acupuncture

Abstract

Bee venom acupuncture has been widely used as a method to treat chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, myalgia, arthritis, and neuralgia. However, bee stings can induce anaphylaxis in both children and adults. We experienced two cases of anaphylaxis after bee venom acupuncture. A 42-year-old woman who had received venom acupuncture on the head, neck and back, experienced facial edema, generalized urticaria, and dyspnea 10 min. after the treatment. High levels of serum specific IgE to honeybee venom measured by CAP method was noted. The other patient was a 39-year-old woman who also received venom acupuncture on the back and experienced facial edema, generalized urticaria, dyspnea, and lower abdominal pain 10 min. after the treatment. High levels of serum specific IgE to honeybee venom by CAP method was also noted. Therefore, due to its wide use, bee venom acupuncture could induce IgE-sensitization and anaphylaxis in this country.