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Severe Anaphylactic Reactions (severe + anaphylactic_reaction)
Selected AbstractsChlorhexidine anaphylaxis: case report and review of the literatureCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 3 2004A. B. Krautheim Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic and disinfectant. Compared to its ubiquitous use in medical and non-medical environments, the sensitization rate seems to be low. Multivarious hypersensitivity reactions to the agent have been reported, including delayed hypersensitivity reactions such as contact dermatitis, fixed drug eruptions and photosensitivity reactions. An increasing number of immediate-type allergies such as contact urticaria, occupational asthma and anaphylactic shock have been reported. In the case report, we describe anaphylaxis due to topical skin application of chlorhexidine, confirmed by skin testing and sulfidoleukotriene stimulation test (CAST®: cellular antigen stimulation test). The potential risk of anaphylactic reactions due to the application of chlorhexidine is well known, especially that application to mucous membranes can cause anaphylactic reactions and was therefore discouraged. The use of chlorhexidine at a 0.05% concentration on wounds and intact skin was so far thought to be safe. Besides our patient, only one other case of severe anaphylactic reaction due to application of chlorhexidine on skin has been reported. Hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine is rare, but its potential to cause anaphylactic shock is probably underestimated. This review should remind all clinicians of an important potential risk of this widely used antiseptic. [source] Basal serum tryptase as risk assessment for severe Hymenoptera sting reactions in elderlyALLERGY, Issue 7 2010E. Guenova To cite this article: Guenova E, Volz T, Eichner M, Hoetzenecker W, Caroli U, Griesinger G, Burow G, Mitev V, Biedermann T. Basal serum tryptase as risk assessment for severe Hymenoptera sting reactions in elderly. Allergy 2010; 65: 919,923. Abstract Background:, Epidemiologic studies suggest that elderly people are more prone to develop severe anaphylactic reactions. However, the exact cause for this phenomenon remains unclear. Aims of the study:, To study the role of the serum tryptase as a diagnostic parameter for individual risk evaluation and its impact on the severity of allergic reactions in elderly people. Methods:, Two hundred and seventy-four consecutive patients visiting the Department of Dermatology, Tübingen, Germany, who were diagnosed with honeybee or wasp venom allergy, were included in the study. Results:, Sting reaction severity increased with increased age and tryptase levels (P = 0.001 and P = 0.0003, respectively). Furthermore, we find not only a general increment in tryptase levels in elderly people (P = 0.0001) but also a continuous increase in tryptase concentrations even below the cut-off (11.4 ,g/l) with increasing age (P = 0.0026). Conclusions:, Our data confirm serum tryptase as a risk factor for severe anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera stings. Furthermore, we give first evidence that basal serum tryptase levels increase continuously with age and being an indicator for either increased mast cell load or reactivity this can at least partly be responsible for the observed aggravated allergic reactions in elderly people. As those patients are at increased risk for life-threatening anaphylactic reactions, it should be considered to adjust VIT especially in elderly patients with elevated tryptase levels as recommended for patients with mastocytosis by increasing venom doses during VIT and by considering its life-long continuation. [source] Anti-infliximab IgE and non-IgE antibodies and induction of infusion-related severe anaphylactic reactionsALLERGY, Issue 5 2010A. Vultaggio To cite this article: Vultaggio A, Matucci A, Nencini F, Pratesi S, Parronchi P, Rossi O, Romagnani S, Maggi E. Anti-infliximab IgE and non-IgE antibodies and induction of infusion-related severe anaphylactic reactions. Allergy 2010; 65: 657,661. Abstract Background:, Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF-, useful in the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Severe anaphylaxis has been reported during therapy, although the exact mechanism has not been fully defined. The reactions have been related to the infliximab immunogenicity and development of specific antibodies. Aims of the study:, Evaluation of the development of IgE and non-IgE antibodies to infliximab and their relationship with infusion reaction. Methods:, Seventy-one patients (11 reactives, 11 therapeutically nonresponders, and 49 unreactive therapeutically responders) and 20 non,infliximab-exposed control subjects (ten rheumatoid arthritis, five spondyloarthropathies, five vasculitis) were evaluated for the presence of IgE (ImmunoCAP assay), IgM, and non,isotype-specific (ELISA assays) anti-infliximab antibodies. Sera were obtained at baseline and during the course of treatment, before each infliximab infusion. Results:, Eleven out of 71 patients had a hypersensitivity reaction to infliximab. Non,isotype-specific anti-infliximab antibodies were detected in eight reactive and two nonresponder patients. Three patients with severe reactions displayed anti-infliximab IgE antibodies and positive skin testing. Detectable levels of anti-infliximab IgM antibodies were shown in three additional IgE- and skin testing-negative patients. IgE and IgM antibodies to infliximab were not detectable in the two nonresponder patients. Antibodies developed before the 2nd and the 3rd infusion, and their appearance was strictly related to the timing of the reaction. Conclusions:, This report indicates that in some patients with infliximab-related severe reactions, IgE or IgM antibodies against infliximab were detectable. The majority of reactions could be predicted by the appearance of anti-infliximab antibodies. [source] When yellow jackets attack: Recurrent and severe anaphylactic reactions to insect bites and stings,,AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 12 2009Daniel A. Pollyea First page of article [source] |