Type I Kounis syndrome in a young woman without chest pain: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Kounis syndrome is defined as the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes in the setting of allergic or anaphylactic reactions. It primarily affects men aged 40-70 years and is often associated with chest pain. This syndrome is often unrecognized and undiagnosed in clinical practice due to a low level of awareness. Herein, we present a case of type I Kounis syndrome in a young woman without chest pain. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old Japanese woman with a history of atopic dermatitis received a glycyrrhizin, glutathione, and neurotropin preparation (a preparation of inflamed skin extract from rabbits inoculated with vaccinia virus) at a dermatology clinic to treat pruritus caused by atopic dermatitis. Immediately after the administration, the patient developed abdominal pain and generalized body wheals. The patient was diagnosed with anaphylaxis and was transported to our hospital. She had no chest pain on arrival at our hospital; however, a 12-lead electrocardiogram showed ST elevation in leads I, aVL, V2, and V3, and an echocardiogram showed decreased wall motion in the anterior and lateral walls of the left ventricle. Sublingual nitroglycerin administration improved ST-segment elevation and left ventricular wall motion abnormalities. The patient underwent emergency coronary angiography, which revealed no significant stenosis, and was diagnosed with type I Kounis syndrome. CONCLUSION: Kounis syndrome without chest pain is rare in young women. Since it can be fatal in cases with severe allergic symptoms such as anaphylaxis, the possibility of concurrent acute coronary syndrome should be considered when treating systemic allergic reactions, regardless of age, sex, or the presence or absence of chest symptoms.

When anaphylactic shock meets epinephrine and blood lactate increases: A case report.

RATIONALE: Anaphylactic shock, a severe and rapid systemic allergic reaction, poses significant treatment challenges. Epinephrine, the first-line treatment, effectively reverses symptoms but can complicate the clinical picture by elevating lactate levels, blurring the distinction between shock-induced hypoperfusion and drug-induced metabolic effects. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 26-year-old female presented with anaphylactic shock following an antibiotic infusion, experiencing chest tightness, hypotension, and pulmonary edema, without significant past medical history apart from a noted allergy to fish and shrimp. DIAGNOSES: Anaphylaxis was diagnosed based on clinical presentation and supported by imaging that revealed pulmonary edema, despite normal troponin levels and electrocardiogram. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment included 0.5 mg of intramuscular epinephrine and 5 mg of intravenous dexamethasone, with subsequent intubation and mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. An intravenous epinephrine infusion was also administered for hemodynamic support. OUTCOMES: While epinephrine resolved the pulmonary edema and stabilized circulation, it led to a significant, albeit transient, increase in lactate levels, which normalized following discontinuation of epinephrine, indicating the metabolic effect of the drug rather than ongoing tissue hypoperfusion. LESSONS: This case illustrates the importance of recognizing epinephrine-induced lactate elevation in anaphylactic shock, necessitating a nuanced interpretation of lactate dynamics. Clinicians must differentiate between lactate elevations due to tissue hypoperfusion and those arising from epinephrine's pharmacologic effects to optimize patient care.

Rocuronium-specific antibodies drive perioperative anaphylaxis but can also function as reversal agents in preclinical models.

Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) relax skeletal muscles to facilitate surgeries and ease intubation but can lead to adverse reactions, including complications because of postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade (rNMB) and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis. Both adverse reactions vary between types of NMBAs, with rocuronium, a widely used nondepolarizing NMBA, inducing one of the longest rNMB durations and highest anaphylaxis incidences. rNMB induced by rocuronium can be reversed by the synthetic γ-cyclodextrin sugammadex. However, in rare cases, sugammadex can provoke anaphylaxis. Thus, additional therapeutic options are needed. Rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis is proposed to rely on preexisting rocuronium-binding antibodies. To understand the pathogenesis of rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis and to identify potential therapeutics, we investigated the memory B cell antibody repertoire of patients with suspected hypersensitivity to rocuronium. We identified polyclonal antibody repertoires with a high diversity among V(D)J genes without evidence of clonal groups. When recombinantly expressed, these antibodies demonstrated specificity and low affinity for rocuronium without cross-reactivity for other NMBAs. Moreover, when these antibodies were expressed as human immunoglobulin E (IgE), they triggered human mast cell activation and passive systemic anaphylaxis in transgenic mice, although their affinities were insufficient to serve as reversal agents. Rocuronium-specific, high-affinity antibodies were thus isolated from rocuronium-immunized mice. The highest-affinity antibody was able to reverse rocuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in nonhuman primates with kinetics comparable to that of sugammadex. Together, these data support the hypothesis that antibodies cause anaphylactic reactions to rocuronium and pave the way for improved diagnostics and neuromuscular blockade reversal agents.

[TWO CASES OF α-GAL SYNDROME CAUSED BY INGESTION OF WILD BOAR MEAT].

α-Gal syndrome (AGS) is an allergic reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-gal) found in the salivary glands of ticks, mammalian meat excluding primates, and some antibody preparations, such as cetuximab. We report two cases of AGS diagnosed after ingestion of wild boar meat. Patient 1, a male in his 70s, developed anaphylactic shock about 3 h after eating wild boar meat. He was transported to our acute and critical care center in Nagasaki University Hospital because he had difficulty in moving. Patient 2, a female in her 60s, developed a skin rash about 2.5 h after ingesting wild boar meat. After visiting our department to investigate the cause of the disease, the sera of both patients were found to be positive for α-gal specific IgE antibody and were diagnosed with AGS caused by ingestion of wild boar meat. Reports of AGS diagnosed after ingestion of wild boar meat are rare in Japan. Compared with other prefectures, the consumption of wild boar meat in Nagasaki is relatively high in Japan. In the past 10 years, four cases of AGS were diagnosed at our department, half of which were caused by the ingestion of wild boar meat, the ratio is possibly higher than that in other prefectures in Japan.

Vaccines and allergy: Back to the right places.

Hypersensitivity reactions represent one of the most common causes of hesitancy for adherence to national vaccination programs. The majority of hypersensitivity reactions after vaccination are mild, and anaphylaxis is reported to be rare, although it remains challenging to estimate the frequency attributed to each single vaccine, either because of the lower number of administered doses of less common vaccines, or the administration of simultaneous vaccine in most of the vaccination programs. Although literature remains scattered, international consensus guides clinicians in identifying patients who might need the administration of vaccines in protected environments due to demonstrated hypersensitivity to vaccine components or adjuvants. Here we provide the current guidance on hypersensitivity reactions to vaccines and on vaccination of children with allergy disorders.

Pediatric idiopathic anaphylaxis: practical management from infants to adolescents.

Idiopathic anaphylaxis (IA) remains a frustrating challenge for both patients and physicians. The aim of this paper is to focus on IA in pediatric ages and suggest possible diagnostic algorithms according to specific age ranges (infants, children, and adolescents). In fact, in a variable percentage of patients, despite extensive diagnostic tests, the cause of anaphylactic episodes cannot be identified. Moreover, the lack of a unanimous IA definition requires a careful and detailed diagnostic workup. Prompt recognition of signs and symptoms, especially in younger children, and an accurate clinical history often allow a choice of the most appropriate diagnostic tests and a correct differential diagnosis.

Allosteric inhibition of IgE-FcεRI interactions by simultaneous targeting of IgE F(ab')2 epitopes.

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) plays pivotal roles in allergic diseases through interaction with a high-affinity receptor (FcεRI). We established that Fab fragments of anti-IgE antibodies (HMK-12 Fab) rapidly dissociate preformed IgE-FcεRI complexes in a temperature-dependent manner and inhibit IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions, even after allergen challenge. X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that HMK-12 Fab interacts with each of two equivalent epitopes on the Cε2 homodimer domain involved in IgE F(ab')2. Consequently, HMK-12 Fab-mediated targeting of Cε2 reduced the binding affinity of Fc domains and resulted in rapid removal of IgE from the receptor complex. This unexpected finding of allosteric inhibition of IgE-FcεRI interactions by simultaneous targeting of two epitope sites on the Cε2 homodimer domain of IgE F(ab')2 may have implications for the development of novel therapies for allergic disease.

Management of Sideline Medical Emergencies.

Sideline medical care is typically provided by musculoskeletal specialists and orthopaedic surgeons with varying levels of training and experience. While the most common sports injuries are often benign, the potential for catastrophic injury is omnipresent. Prompt recognition of sideline emergencies and expeditious medical management are necessary to minimize the risk of calamitous events. Paramount to successful sideline coverage are both preseason and game-day preparations. Because the skillset needed for the sideline physician may involve management of injuries not commonly seen in everyday clinical practice, sideline providers should review basic life support protocols, spine boarding, and equipment removal related to their sport(s) before the season begins. Before every game, the medical bag should be adequately stocked, location of the automatic external defibrillator/emergency medical services identified, and introductions to the trainers, coaches, and referees made. In addition to musculoskeletal injuries, the sideline orthopaedic surgeon must also be acquainted with the full spectrum of nonmusculoskeletal emergencies spanning the cardiopulmonary, central nervous, and integumentary systems. Familiarity with anaphylaxis as well as abdominal and neck trauma is also critical. Prompt identification of potential life-threatening conditions, carefully orchestrated treatment, and the athlete's subsequent disposition are essential for the team physician to provide quality care.

Time trends in the epidemiology of food allergy in England: an observational analysis of Clinical Practice Research Datalink data.

BACKGROUND: Estimates for the prevalence of food allergy vary widely, with a paucity of data for adults. The aim of this analysis was to report trends in the incidence and prevalence of food allergy in England, using a national primary care dataset. METHODS: We analysed data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 1998 and 2018, with linked data to relevant hospital encounters in England. The main outcomes were incidence and prevalence of food allergy, according to three definitions of food allergy: possible food allergy, probable food allergy, and probable food allergy with adrenaline autoinjectors prescription. We also evaluated the difference in proportion of patients prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors by English Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), age, and by previous food anaphylaxis, and explored differences in patient encounters (general practice vs emergency department setting). FINDINGS: 7 627 607 individuals in the dataset were eligible for inclusion, of whom 150 018 (median age 19 years [IQR 4-34]; 82 614 [55·1%] female and 67 404 [44·9%] male) had a possible food allergy. 121 706 met diagnostic criteria for probable food allergy, of whom 38 288 were prescribed adrenaline autoinjectors. Estimated incidence of probable food allergy doubled between 2008 and 2018, from 75·8 individuals per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 73·7-77·9) in 2008 to 159·5 (156·6-162·3) individuals per 100 000 person-years in 2018. Prevalence increased from 0·4% (23 399 of 6 432 383) to 1·1% (82 262 of 7 627 607) over the same period and was highest in children under 5 years (11 951 [4·0%] of 296 406 in 2018) with lower prevalence in school-aged children (from 11 353 [2·4%] of 473 597 in 2018 for children aged 5-9 years to 6896 [1·7%] of 404 525 for those aged 15-19 years) and adults (42 848 [0·7%] of 5 992 454 in 2018). In those with previous food anaphylaxis, only 2321 (58·3%) of 3980 (975 [64·0%] of 1524 children and young people and 1346 [54·8%] of 2456 adults) had a prescription for adrenaline autoinjector. Adrenaline autoinjectors prescription was less common in those resident in more deprived areas (according to IMD). In the analysis of health-care encounters, 488 604 (97·1%) of 503 198 visits recorded for food allergy occurred in primary care, with 115 655 (88·4%) of 130 832 patients managed exclusively in primary care. INTERPRETATION: These estimates indicate an important and increasing burden of food allergy in England. Our findings that most patients with food allergy are managed outside the hospital system, with low rates of adrenaline autoinjector prescription in those with previous anaphylaxis, highlight a need to better support those working in primary care to ensure optimal management of patients with food allergy. FUNDING: UK Food Standards Agency and UK Medical Research Council.

The risk of anaphylaxis on holidays.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The goal of this review is to summarize the potential causes of anaphylaxis in the different holiday contexts, providing practical suggestions aimed to mitigate the stress challenged by allergic patients because of unfamiliar situations. RECENT FINDINGS: A regard was reserved to potential food triggers, particularly uncommon ones and typical of certain destinations, and to arthropods responsible for anaphylaxis. SUMMARY: This review highlights the potential risk of anaphylaxis due to the unusual contexts more experienced during holidays (i.e., travels, outdoor activities and eating out). Moreover, it underlines the need for a further allergological education in these cases, in order to prepare allergic patients to avoid and manage undesired situations.

Hymenoptera venom allergy in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will identify and summarize the published existing data pertaining specifically to Hymenoptera venom allergy in children and adolescents, highlighting the major studies currently available on venom immunotherapy (VIT) and its prognosis in children. RECENT FINDINGS: The current review covers the incidence and prevalence of Hymenoptera venom allergy (HVA) in children, factors influencing occurrence and severity of reactions (age, sex, comorbidities, etc.), indications to perform diagnostic tests and start VIT in children, different existing VIT protocols and their safety and efficacy. SUMMARY: Hymenoptera venom allergy is the second most common cause of anaphylaxis in children and it considerably affects quality of life. Cutaneous reactions are the most prevalent clinical presentation in children who usually have a more favourable prognosis than adult patients. However, studies on HVA in children and adolescents are still limited. Currently VIT is the only treatment able to modify the natural history of HVA in adults as well as in children, and to protect patients from systemic reactions after subsequent stings.

[Allergy and anaphylaxis]. / Allergie en anafylaxie.

Allergy is a medical condition of frequent occurrence. In the Netherlands approximately 20% of the population has some kind of respiratory allergy, due to pollen and dust mites. The occurrence of allergy on foods, antibiotics, other medications, contrast fluid and insect poison is estimated to be 2% in the adult population. Because of this large and diverse group of allergy triggers it is very likely that physicians, regardless of background or medical specialty, will come across questions regarding allergy at some point in their career. The severity of an allergic reaction can vary, with anaphylaxis as one of the most severe and potentially life-threatening reactions (among DRESS, SJS, TEN and acute FPIES). This article describes the backgrounds of IgE-mediated allergy and anaphylaxis, like pathophysiology, diagnostics and treatment.

A case of anaphylactic shock to human fibrinogen infusion during cardiac surgery.

Human fibrinogen (FIB) has been clinically proven to be considerably effective for the treatment of postoperative bleeding, with reported cases of allergic reactions to human FIB being rare. Here, we report a case of an anaphylactic shock in 27-year-old patients with rheumatic heart valve disease who received a human FIB infusion during mitral valve replacement, aortic valve replacement, and tricuspid valve-shaping surgery. The patients showed generalised profuse sweating, a barely noticeable skin rash, faint pulse, systolic pressure < 50 mmHg, and a heart rate of 71 beats/min. We share insights from a case of severe allergy to human FIB infusion during cardiac surgery, through which we have gained experience in the processes of diagnosing and treating. This report aims to provide a preliminary summary of the characteristics of this case to serve as a reference for fellow clinicians.

[A CASE OF FOOD-DEPENDENT EXERCISE-INDUCED ANAPHYLAXIS DUE TO POLISHED RICE].

A 14-year-old girl presented to our hospital with food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA), possibly caused by rice. Despite experiencing four previous episodes of suspected FDEIA, she did not seek medical attention at her own discretion. On the fifth occurrence of symptoms, the general practitioner suspected FDEIA and referred the patient to our hospital. The only common factor in all five episodes was the consumption of rice, leading to the examination of the patient under suspicion of FDEIA caused by rice. Skin prick test results were positive for bran and polished rice, and exercise after consumption of polished rice resulted in anaphylaxis. Therefore, we diagnosed FDEIA caused by polished rice. Immunoblotting confirmed the presence of immunoglobulin E reacting with 14-16kDa rice bran protein in the patient's serum. The immunoblot inhibition test suggested that the rice bran protein to which the patient's serum reacted was also present in polished rice and no wash rice. As the patient may experience FDEIA after ingestion of no wash rice or rice flour, she was advised to eliminate these from her diet, treating them similarly to brown rice or polished rice.