How Does Pregnancy and Type of Delivery Affect the Clinical Course of Hereditary Angioedema?

INTRODUCTION: Knowledge on the clinical course of hereditary angioedema (HAE) during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding is very limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the course of HAE during these periods. METHODS: The HAE attacks C1-INH prophylaxis before and during pregnancy and during breastfeeding, and the delivery types were retrospectively determined. The severity of attacks was assessed by a 10-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). RESULTS: We evaluated 88 pregnancies in 48 HAE patients among whom 20 were primiparous. Among those who had a HAE diagnosis during pregnancy (n = 34), the median attack numbers before pregnancy, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and after breastfeeding were 17, 39, 24, and 14 (before pregnancy vs. pregnancy, p < 0.001; during pregnancy vs. breastfeeding, p = 0.001). The mean VASs (SD) were 6.59 (1.82), 8.33 (1.58), 7.32 (1.66), and 6.95 (1.90) (before pregnancy vs. pregnancy, p < 0.001; during pregnancy vs. breastfeeding, p = 0.016), respectively. Among those who received a HAE diagnosis after pregnancy (n = 54), the number (59.3%) and the severity (60%) of HAE attacks were high in pregnancy. 47 of the deliveries were normal vaginal delivery (NVD). Regional anesthesia was applied in 8 NVDs. 20 of caesarean deliveries were performed under general anesthesia, and 21 were under spinal anesthesia. Lowest numbers of attacks were found in patients who did not receive anesthesia during NVD (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The course of HAE can be worse during pregnancy and breastfeeding. NVD is related to fewer HAE attacks and prophylaxis with C1-INH during NVD is not necessary to prevent a HAE attack.

How important is patch testing with dental materials in real-life clinical practice?

Background: Allergy to dental materials in prostheses and implants that leads to dental device dysfunction is a challenging problem. Objective: In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic role and impact of dental patch test (DPT) results on the outcome of proceeding dental procedures with the collaboration of our allergy clinic and dental clinics. Methods: A total of 382 adult patients with oral or systemic signs or symptoms due to the applied dental materials were included. A DPT with 31 items was administered. The clinical findings after dental restoration according to the test results were assessed in the patients. Results: The most common positivity detected in the DPT was due to metals, among which nickel (29.1%) was the leading cause. The frequency of self-reported allergic diseases and metal allergy was significantly higher in patients with at least one positive result in the DPT (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Clinical improvement after the removal of dental restoration was seen in 82% of the patients who had a positive DPT result, whereas this rate was 54% among paatients with negative DPT results (p < 0.001). The only factor that predicted improvement after restoration was the positivity in the DPT result (odds ratio 3.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.21-7.09]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that a self-reported metal allergy was an important finding to predict allergic reactions to dental devices. Therefore, patients should be questioned for the presence of metal allergy-related signs and symptoms before exposure to the dental materials to prevent possible allergic reactions. Furthermore, DPT results are valuable to guide dental procedures in real life.

Relationship between Blastocystis spp. with Accompanying Food Hypersensitivity and Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between Blastocystis spp. and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of this parasitic infection on CSU and to search for risky groups in CSU patients with this parasite. METHODS: Seventy adult CSU patients with Blastocystis spp. in their stool samples forming Group A and 70 CSU patients without any parasite as Group B were prospectively compared regarding urticaria activity score-7 (UAS7), medication scores (MS), and laboratory parameters. All patients received CSU treatment, and additionally, those in group A received an antiparasitic antibiotic. Eight months later, the same parameters were compared between the ones in remission (group A1) and those still having CSU symptoms (group A2) in group A. RESULTS: UAS7 and MS were lower in group A than in group B (p: 0.007, p < 0.001) 8 months later, while the initial scores were similar. The presence of food hypersensitivity reactions (FHRs) was higher in group A than in group B (p < 0.001) and was detected as a significant risk factor in the presence of Blastocystis spp. infection (p: 0.002, OR [CI] = 0.151 [0.045-0.502]). In group A, UAS7, MS, serum total IgE levels, and blood eosinophil counts decreased 8 months later (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p: 0.003, p: 0.004, respectively). Additionally, total IgE levels and eosinophil counts decreased in group A1 (p: 0.033, p: 0.002) while they did not change in group A2. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: The eradication of Blastocystis spp. can improve the disease activity in CSU and the presence of FHRs seems to be risky in CSU patients with Blastocystis spp.

How satisfactory is on-demand icatibant from the patients' perspective in real life?

Background: Patients' satisfaction is important for the success of the management of chronic diseases. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the satisfaction level of the patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) for icatibant treatment. Methods: Patients with HAE C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) were evaluated by using a questionnaire that included details of their icatibant-treated attacks. Patients' demographic and clinical features were collected from their medical records and personal attack diaries. The visual analog scale was used for determining the attack severity. Results: Of the total 161 patients with HAE C1-INH, 91% had HAE type I and were included in the study. Patients reported a median (interquartile range [IQR]) attacks of 2 (0.5-3) per month and 16 (4.5-36) attacks per year. The median (IQR) frequency of attacks treated with icatibant was 6 (0-20) per year. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) duration of treatment with icatibant was 3 ± 2.3 years. The self-administration rate was 91.3%. The mean ± SD time to administration and time to onset of symptom resolution were 1.6 ± 1.1 hours and 1.7 ± 1.3 hours, respectively. There was a correlation between the time to administration and time to onset of symptom resolution (r = 0.566; p < 0.0001). A total of 125 patients (77%) reported that they were very satisfied or satisfied with icatibant. No correlation was observed between the satisfaction level and the attack sites; however, the patients with more severe attacks were more satisfied with icatibant (p < 0.0001). A total of 52 patients reported 74 mild local reactions. Systemic reactions were not observed. Conclusion: The current real-life study showed that icatibant was safe and effective. Moreover, the patients' satisfaction level with icatibant was high. We believe that the availability of icatibant should be encouraged during HAE attacks because it enables patients to be more involved in their disease management.

Impact of mental health on disease activity in mastocytosis during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Mast cell-related symptoms might be influenced by mental health status in mastocytosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of mental health problems developed during the COVID-19 pandemic on the course of mastocytosis. METHODS: Mental health status in 60 adult patients with mastocytosis was prospectively evaluated with the total Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (tDASS-21) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) in the lockdown period (LP) and the return to normal period (RTNP) during the pandemic. The disease course was assessed from emergency and outpatient medical reports, including Scoring Mastocytosis (SCORMA) index and serum baseline tryptase levels, by telephone interviews and clinical visits. RESULTS: The mean FCV-19S and median tDASS-21 scores were significantly higher in LP than RTNP (p < 0.001) and there was a positive correlation between FCV-19S and tDASS-21 in LP (r = 0.820, p < 0.001) and in RTNP (r = 0.572 p= <0.001). Disease-related symptoms including skin lesions, flushing and anaphylaxis attacks increased in 22 patients in LP, and in this group, mean FCV-19S and median tDASS-21 were higher than those without symptom exacerbation (p < 0.001). During the study period, four (6.7%) patients who experienced COVID-19 recovered without any requirement for hospitalization and had not experienced symptom exacerbation. CONCLUSIONS: Fear of COVID-19 can be a reason for mental health changes, including depression, anxiety and stress which may further increase mast cell-related symptoms. Therefore, psychological support is important to control the severity of mast cell-related symptoms in mastocytosis during a pandemic.

Evaluation of skin test indications for general anesthetics in real life: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In daily practice, atopic patients and those who have other drug allergies are referred to allergy clinics for evaluation of possible general anesthetic allergy despite the fact that it is not recommended in recent guidelines. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study is to determine the negative predictive value of skin tests for common general anesthetic drugs prior to general anesthesia in atopic patients and in patients who had drug allergies by including the data of those who had previously tolerated or reacted to general anesthesia. METHODS: A database program was constituted to collect the preoperative skin test data of patients referred to our clinic between 2013 and 2018. Demographic and clinical history, medications implemented during perioperative period, reactions, and results of skin tests performed with anesthetic drugs and latex were evaluated. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-nine out of the total 1167 patients referred fulfilled the inclusion criteria for further evaluation. Nearly 75% of the patients were female and mean age was 46.3 ±â€¯14.3 years. History of hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) due to NSAIDs and/or antibiotics, radiocontrast agents, local anesthetics, and food were present in the 53.1%, 4.1%, 1.5%, and 2.0%, respectively. The negative predictive values of skin tests for general anesthetics were in the range of 80-100%. Only 4 patients (0,87%) experienced HRs during operation. CONCLUSION: These real-life data reveal high rates of negative predictive value of skin tests with general anesthetic drugs and a low reaction rate in atopic patients and in patients with allergy to other drugs.

Paucigranulocytic asthma: Do sputum macrophages matter?

Background: Although paucigranulocytic asthma (PGA) is the most common phenotype of stable asthma, its features have not been adequately studied. In this study, we aimed to display the characteristics of PGA. Method: A total of 116 non-smoking adult patients with asthma (80% women; mean ± standard deviation age, 39 ± 12.9 years) admitted to three tertiary centers were included. Their demographic and clinical features, allergy status, biochemical results, scores of Asthma Control Test (ACT), spirometry, and exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) measurements were obtained. Induced sputum cytometry was performed. Results: Four phenotypes, according to induced sputum cell counts, were detected: eosinophilic asthma (EA) (22.4%), mixed granulocytic asthma (MGA) (6.9%), neutrophilic (NA) (7.8%), and PGA (62.9%). In the sputum, macrophages were higher in the PGA group compared with the other groups (PGA versus NA and PGA versus MGA, p < 0.001; and PGA versus EA, p =0 .030). The atopy rate between phenotypes was the same. Although the forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1) was similar in four groups, the ratio of FEV1 to the forced vital capacity ratio was higher (p = 0.013) and FEV1 reversibility was lower in the patients with PGA than the corresponding values in other phenotypes (p = 0.015). Low reversibility was comparable both in patients with PGA who were inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) naive and in patients on ICS treatment. Although insignificant, the FeNO values and blood eosinophil counts were higher in the MGA and EA groups, whereas these were the lowest in the PGA group. The uncontrolled asthma ratio was low in PGA (16%), whereas it was 11% for NA, 25% for MG, and 23% in EA. Conclusion: Macrophages are predominant in sputum of patients with PGA. Besides a lower uncontrolled asthma ratio, lower FEV1 reversibility is a prominent characteristic of this phenotype.

Psychological burden of COVID-19 on mild and moderate chronic spontaneous urticaria

Background: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related mental health status on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has not been addressed before. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the depression, anxiety and stress levels, and the fear of COVID-19 in patients with mild-to-moderate CSU and to determine their impact on urticaria activity during the pandemic. Methods: A total of 509 patients with mild-to-moderate CSU were prospectively evaluated with validated scales, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) during the lockdown period (LP) and the return to normal period (RTNP). CSU activity was determined with the urticaria activity score summed over 7 days (UAS7) and medication scores (MS). UAS7 and MS before the pandemic were retrospectively collected from medical records. Results: The median UAS7 and MS were both significantly higher in the LP than in the median of related scores during the prepandemic period (p < 0.0001) and the RTNP (p < 0.0001). The mean FCV-19S and DASS-21 scores were both significantly higher in the LP than in the RTNP (p < 0.0001). The FCV-19S and the DASS-21 anxiety and stress subscales were significantly higher in women. The UAS7s were positively correlated with the FCV-19S and depression, anxiety, and stress subscale scores. Conclusion: Fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when strict isolation measures are taken, have a significant impact on mental health and urticaria activity in patients with mild-to-moderate CSU, even though they are not infected. Psychological support for patients with CSU seems to be important to control disease activity during the pandemic.

Impaired endothelial function irrespective of systemic inflammation or atherosclerosis in mastocytosis.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge on endothelial dysfunction and its relation to atherosclerosis in mastocytosis is limited. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the endothelial function in mastocytosis by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and biomarkers related to vascular endothelia and to evaluate its relationship with the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis by carotid intima media thickness (CIMT). METHODS: A total of 49 patients with mastocytosis and 25 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The FMD and CIMT during transthoracic echocardiography biomarkers including endocan, endothelin-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured in the sera of participants. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein were determined as inflammatory biomarkers. RESULTS: The mean FMD % was lower in the patients than HCs (11.26% ± 5.85% vs 17.84% ± 5.27% P < .001) and was the lowest in the advanced systemic mastocytosis and smoldering systemic mastocytosis group among the patients (P = .03). The median value of VEGF was considerably higher in patients than HCs (73.30 pg/mL; minimum-maximum 32.46-295.29 pg/mL vs 46.64 pg/mL; minimum-maximum, 11.09-99.86 pg/mL; P = .001) and it was the highest in the advanced systemic mastocytosis and smoldering systemic mastocytosis group (P = .01). The FMD was inversely correlated with endocan (r = -0.390; P = .006), endothelin-1 (r = -0.363; P = .01) and VEGF (r = -0.402; P = .004) but there were no correlations between FMD and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein. No differences in CIMT values between patients and HCs and no correlation between CIMT and the biomarkers were observed. CONCLUSION: Endothelial dysfunction in mastocytosis becomes evident with decreased FMD and elevated serum VEGF in the absence of atherosclerosis or systemic inflammation and is related to disease severity.

Impact of anxiety, stress and depression related to COVID-19 pandemic on the course of hereditary angioedema with C1-inhibitor deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks can be provoked with psychological factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of anxiety, depression and stress related to COVID-19 pandemic on disease activity of HAE patients during the quarantine period (QP) and the return to normal period (RTNP). METHODS: This study was conducted between March 2020 and September 2020 in four allergy centres. Demographic, clinical features and mental health status were evaluated in QP (from March to the beginning of June) and RTNP (from June to the beginning of September) applied by the government. The 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS10) was used to define the severity of HAE attacks. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales-21 (DASS-21) and Fear of COVID-19 (FC-19) scale were performed to assess mental health status. RESULTS: 139 HAE patients were included in the study. In QP, median attack numbers and median VAS10 scores were 5 (min-max: 0-45) and 6 (min-max: 0-10), respectively. HAE attack numbers, DASS-21 stress, anxiety, depression and total DASS-21 scores, and FC-19 scores were higher in QP than RTNP (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no difference in attack severity scores between the two periods (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that the restriction measures during COVID-19 outbreak cause an increase in the number of HAE attacks in relation to anxiety, depression, stress and fear of COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is important to provide psychological support to HAE patients during the pandemic.

Diagnostic workup including CD203c-based basophil activation test in immediate hypersensitivity due to metronidazole and ornidazole and evaluation of cross-reactivity in between.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the diagnostic approaches for immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) due to 5-nitroimidazole antibiotics. The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of in vivo tests and basophil activation test (BAT) for the diagnosis of IHRs due to metronidazole and ornidazole and to determine possible cross-reactivity in between. METHODS: Forty-nine patients with a clear history of IHRs due to these drugs and 20 healthy subjects who were known to tolerate these drugs were included. Skin tests (STs) and single-blind placebo-controlled drug provocation tests (SBPCDPTs) were performed with both drugs whereas BAT was applied only with the culprit drug. RESULTS: The most and least common reaction types were urticaria/angioedema (34.7%) and anaphylaxis (14.3%), respectively. SBPCDPTs were positive in 15 out of 47 patients, and only 7 had positive STs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of STs for metronidazole/ornidazole were 33.3%/16.6%, 94.2%/97.3%, 60%/50%, and 84.6%/88.1%, respectively. BAT was positive in 12 out of 15 patients and negative in 10 control subjects, giving a sensitivity rate of 71.4% (CI, 29.0%-96.3%) for metronidazole and 83.3% (CI, 35.8%-99.5%) for ornidazole. The optimal concentration of both drugs for BAT was determined as 5 mg/mL. No cross-reactivity among two drugs was observed according to in vivo tests. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that SBPCDPT and BAT are both useful diagnostic tools for IHRs due to 5-nitroimidazole antibiotics and can be used as supplementary to each other. No cross-reactivity between metronidazole and ornidazole in IHRs exists.

A practical 16-day desensitization protocol in lenalidomide-induced non-immediate hypersensitivity reactions.

BACKGROUND: Desensitization in immediate-type hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) caused by chemotherapeutics is well described and standardized for many drugs. However, there are no standardized protocols in non-immediate HRs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 16-day desensitization protocol in the non-immediate HRs induced by lenalidomide. METHODS: According to our previously published slow desensitization protocol, we desensitized patients who had experienced non-immediate HRs attributable to lenalidomide. The protocol was started with the 1/100 of the daily-prescribed dose in milligrams of the culprit drug; then the doses were slowly increased to complete the procedure in 16 days. Demographic and clinical features of the patients were further appraised. RESULTS: Ten patients (mean age was 64.7 ± 10.8 years; 7 male) were successfully desensitized to lenalidomide. The mean reaction time was 7.3 ± 3.9 days in the history, and the reaction types were delayed urticaria (n = 4), eczematous rash (n = 3), and maculopapular eruptions (n = 3). The desensitization was successfully completed in 16 days in 9 patients. In 1 patient, maculopapular eruptions developed on the 11th day, and the patient was treated with corticosteroids. We repeated the previous tolerated dose longer and completed with a slower dose increasement, and the targeted dose was achieved in 35 days. CONCLUSION: The 16-day desensitization protocol seemed to be safe and effective in the non-immediate type drug HRs caused by lenalidomide.

Interleukin-10 is increased in successful drug desensitization regardless of the hypersensitivity reaction type.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the mechanism of desensitization in hypersensitivity drug reactions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of drug desensitization on some cytokine levels in patients desensitized for drug hypersensitivity reactions. METHODS: Patients with a hypersensitivity reaction to any drug for whom desensitization was planned with the culprit drug, patients who could tolerate the same drugs and healthy subjects who were not exposed to these drugs were enrolled. Bead-based Milliplex MAP multiplex technology was used to determine interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, interferon-γ and IL-10 levels in the sera of the subjects as a baseline and 24 hours after desensitization had been completed in the patients. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients (16 female [61.5%]; mean age 48.46 ± 15.97 years old), 10 control patients (5 female [50%]; mean age 47.4 ± 15.4 years old) and 5 healthy subjects (3 female [60%]; mean age 34.2 ± 5.6 years old) were enrolled. Four of the 26 patients did not tolerate the procedure and were grouped as the 'unsuccessful desensitization group' whereas 22 patients successfully completed the procedure and formed the 'successful desensitization group.' Baseline cytokine levels in the 3 groups were not statistically different. Postdesensitization IL-10 levels in the successful desensitization group were significantly higher than their initial levels (p = 0.005) whereas none of the cytokine levels significantly changed in the unsuccessful desensitization group. The rise in IL-10 levels was greater in chemotherapeutic desensitizations when compared to other drugs (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Successful desensitization independent of the hypersensitivity reaction type seems to be related to the increase of IL-10.

Evaluation of the Potential Risk Factors for Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis in Adult Patients.

AIM: To investigate the potential risk factors in patients who have experienced anaphylaxis from drugs. METHOD: The study included 281 adult patients (median age 40 years; 76.5% female) who experienced immediate types of hypersensitivity reaction to a drug. The patients were divided into an anaphylaxis group and a nonanaphylaxis group. The anaphylaxis group was diagnosed according to the criteria of the World Allergy Organization. Skin testing with culprit drugs was performed. In the nonanaphylaxis group, drug provocation tests were performed with culprit drugs, including aspirin or diclofenac, to determine nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity. Atopy was determined by skin prick tests with the common inhalant allergens. Patients' demographics, clinical features, and baseline tryptase and total IgE levels were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The median interval between the last reaction in the patient's history and the study evaluation was 7 months (range 1-120 months). In 52.3% of the patients, reactions were defined as anaphylaxis. The most common culprit drugs were NSAIDs (56.9%) and ß-lactams (34.7%). The culprit drugs were used parenterally in 13.2% of the patients. 34.9% of the patients had comorbid diseases and 24.6% used additional drugs, the most common being antihypertensives (10%). Atopy was determined in 28.8% and 28.1% of the patients were smokers. The median serum level of baseline tryptase and total IgE was 3.5 µg/L and 77 kU/L, respectively. In 46.3% of the patients, skin tests with culprit drugs were positive and the positivity ratio was higher in the anaphylaxis group (p = 0.002). Anapyhlaxis was more common in patients who were: hypertensive, atopic, using angio-tensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers, and received the culprit drug parenterally (p = 0.034, p = 0.04, p = 0.03, p = 0.035, p = 0.013, and p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, it was observed that the parenteral usage of the drug and the presence of atopy were significantly higher in the anaphylaxis group (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 20.05, confidence interval [CI] 4.75-88.64; p = 0.012, OR = 2.1, CI 1.17-3.74). Age, smoking, family history, and serum levels of baseline tryptase and total IgE did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: The parenteral route and atopy increase the risk of drug-induced anaphylaxis. IgE-mediated sensitivity to the culprit drug seems to facilitate anaphylaxis.

An unusual dual hypersensitivity reaction to moxifloxacin in a patient.

Both immediate and nonimmediate type hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) with a single dose of quinolone in the same patient have not been previously reported. A 47-year-old female patient referred to us because of the history of a nonimmediate type HR to radio contrast agent and immediate type HR to clarithromycin. She experienced anaphylaxis in minutes after the second dose of 50 mg when she was provocated with moxifloxacin. She was treated immediately with epinephrine, fluid replacement and methylprednisole and pheniramine. On the following day she came with macular eruptions, and she was treated with methylprednisolone. The positive patch test performed with moxifloxacin as well as the lymphocyte transformation test proved the T-cell mediated HR. In order to prove the immediate type HR, basophil activation test was performed but was found negative. This case report presents for the first time the 2 different types of HRs in a patient with a test dose of quinolone.

Generalized Fixed Drug Eruption Induced by Fluconazole Without Cross-Reactivity to Itraconazole: Lymphocyte Transformation Test Confirms the Diagnosis.

We present a rare case of generalized fixed drug eruption caused by fluconazole. A 45-year-old female patient was referred to our outpatient clinic because of suspicious drug eruptions that occurred 5 months earlier and resolved within a month. The patient had sequela of hyperpigmentation on her arms, legs, back, and abdomen after oral administration of the fourth dose of 150 mg of fluconazole once daily because of vaginal candidiasis. Patch tests with the culprit drug applied both on unaffected skin areas and over one of the lesions were negative. A lymphocyte transformation test was performed and in response to fluconazole, CD4+ T cells significantly proliferated. Because the patient needed a safe antifungal drug for her recurrent vaginal candidiasis symptoms, a single-blind placebo-controlled drug provocation test was performed with itraconazole and was negative. Accordingly, 200 mg of itraconazole once daily was given for 10 days safely.

High adherence to subcutaneous immunotherapy in a real-life study from a large tertiary medical center.

BACKGROUND: Studies on real-life adherence to subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) for respiratory allergy are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to SCIT. METHODS: The patients prescribed SCIT for allergic rhinitis and/or asthma in 2009-2011 were contacted in 2014 and asked whether they completed at least the 3 years of SCIT and/or whether they suspended the treatment for at least 2 months. The Total Symptom Score-6, visual analog scale (VAS), asthma control test (ACT), medication scores, quality of life (QoL) scores, and immunotherapy satisfaction scores with VAS obtained before the initiation of SCIT in the first year and at the end of SCIT were compared. RESULTS: A total of 204 patients (136 female [66.7%]; mean age, 38.83 ± 12.02 years) were included; 73% (149/204) were both compliant and persistent; 14% (29/204) were only persistent; and, overall, 87.3% (178/204) were considered adherent. Adherence was more frequent in female patients (95% CI, 62.3-76.3%; p = 0.018). Medication, symptom, ACT, and QoL scores in the first year and at the end of the treatment were significantly lower than the initial scores, and the immunotherapy satisfaction scores at the end of treatment were higher than the scores in the first year in the patients who were adherent (p < 0.001 for each score). CONCLUSION: The adherence rate to SCIT in our study was relatively high, in contrast to previous real-life data. Results of our study indicated that a close relationship between allergists and their patients during SCIT and the follow-up period in the same center improved the outcome of SCIT.

A practical and successful desensitization protocol for immediate hypersensitivity reactions to iron salts.

Orally administered iron salts (OAS) are widely used in the management of iron deficiency anemia and hypersensitivity reactions to OAS are not common. If an offending drug is the sole option or is significantly more effective than its alternatives, it can be readministered by desensitization. The oral desensitization protocols for iron published so far concern either desensitization that was completed only over a long period or did not attain the recommended therapeutic dose. We aimed to develop a more effective protocol. We report here on 2 patients who experienced hypersensitivity reactions to OAS. After confirming the diagnosis, both patients were desensitized to oral ferrous (II) glycine sulfate complex according to a 2-day desensitization protocol. A commercial suspension of oral ferrous glycine sulfate, which contains 4 mg of elemental iron in 1 ml, was preferred. We started with a dose as low as 0.1 ml from a 1/100 dilution (0.004 mg elemental iron) of the original suspension and reached the maximum effective dose in 2 days. Both patients were successfully desensitized and they went on to complete the 6-month iron treatment without any adverse effects. Although hypersensitvity reactions to iron are not common, there is no alternative for iron administration. Therefore, desensitization has to be the choice. This easy desensitization protocol seems to be a promising option.