4-Carvomenthenol, a monoterpene of essential oils, and its underlying effects on anti-inflammatory activity and immediate hypersensitivity reaction

Abstract The monoterpene 4-carvomenthenol (Carvo) is found in essential oils of plant. Here, we evaluate the Carvo oral pretreatment in acute inflammatory experimental models and in silico molecular docking. Mice pretreated with Carvo were challenged and submitted to the protocols: paw edema, peritonitis, scratching behavior and anaphylactic shock reaction. Besides, we used histamine H1 receptor, cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2) and phospholipase A2, as targets for molecular docking analysis. Carvo inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw edema and decreased the peritoneal influx of polymorphonuclear cells on carrageenan-challenged mice without interfering with the mononuclear cell influx. Moreover, Carvo diminished the histamine, PGE2 and compound 48/80 induced paw edematogenic effect. The monoterpene also diminished the mice scratching behavior and, surprisingly, avoided the animal death caused by compound 48/80 in 30 min. Through the docking analysis, Carvo showed favorable binding energy to the histamine H1 receptor. This study demonstrates that Carvo attenuated the allergic inflammatory process, decreasing edema, cell migration, activation of mast cells and the histamine release, probably due to interaction of Carvo with the histamine H1 receptor, ameliorating the itching and the anaphylactic shock reaction. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that Carvo has anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the histamine effects.

Leguminosas como causa infrecuente de alergia alimentaria en Colombia: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Legumes as an infrequent cause of food allergy in Colombia: report of two cases and review of the literature

La alergia alimentaria se ha venido incrementando a nivel mundial, afectando alrededor del 1,5 % a 2,5 % de los adultos y 6 % de los niños, y tiene un gran impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus cuidadores, debido a las dietas de restricción. Los alérgenos más prevalentes son la leche, el huevo, el trigo, la soja, los frutos secos, el maní, el pescado y los mariscos. Las leguminosas mejor estudiadas son el maní y la soja; otras leguminosas como las lentejas, garbanzos y arvejas representan la quinta causa de alergia alimentaria en el área mediterránea, en Turquía y en la India, siendo menos prevalentes en otras áreas geográficas. La alergia a las leguminosas es una entidad infrecuente en Colombia, se desconoce la prevalencia en el país. Describimos los primeros dos casos de anafilaxia por lentejas reportados en el país. Ambos pacientes menores de 18 años, con reacciones adversas tras la ingesta de leguminosas, en las cuales se demuestra alergia mediada por IgE a las lentejas y además sensibilización en el primer caso a las arvejas y garbanzos, y en el segundo caso a los frijoles. Diferentes datos sobre la prevalencia se han descrito en varias áreas geográficas, siendo mayor en países con dietas mediterráneas. Las reacciones mediadas por IgE suelen aparecer incluso con el alimento altamente cocido, debido a la termo-estabilidad de las proteínas. La reactividad cruzada más frecuente se relaciona con los garbanzos y las arvejas

Food allergy has been increasing worldwide. Affects around 1.5% to 2.5% of adults and 6% of children, and has a great impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers, due to restricted diets. The most prevalent allergens are milk, egg, wheat, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, fish and shellfish. The best studied legumes are peanuts and soybeans; other legumes such as lentils, chickpeas and peas represent the fifth cause of food allergy in the Mediterranean area, Turkey and India, being less prevalent in other geographical areas. Allergy to legumes is not common in Colombia, the prevalence in the country is unknown. We describe the first two cases of legumes anaphylaxis reported in the country. Both patients were under 18 years of age, with adverse reactions after ingesting legumes, in which IgE-mediated allergy was demonstrated; in the first case to lentils, peas and chickpeas, and in the second case, to lentils and beans. Different data on prevalence have been described in various geographical areas, being higher in countries with Mediterranean diets. IgE-mediated reactions usually appear even with highly cooked food, due to the thermo-stability of proteins. The most frequent cross-reactivity is related to chickpeas and peas

Desensibilización con idursulfase en un niño con síndrome de Hunter (mucopolisacaridosis II) / Idursulfase desensitization in a child with Hunter syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis ii)

La terapia de reemplazo enzimático disminuye la morbilidad y mejora la calidad de vida de los pacientes con mucopolisacaridosisii. Se han descrito reacciones de hipersensibilidad inmediata a este fármaco. La desensibilización es un tratamiento que induce la tolerancia temporaria a una droga y permite al paciente alérgico recibir la medicación.Se presenta el caso de un niño de 7 años con diagnóstico de síndrome de Hunter que, luego de 4 años de tratamiento con idursulfase, tuvo dos episodios de anafilaxia durante la infusión del fármaco. Se detectó inmunoglubulina E específica mediante pruebas cutáneas, y fue positiva la intradermorreacción con dilución 1/10 (0,2 mg/ml). Se realizó un protocolo de desensibilización de 12 pasos, sin presentar eventos adversos. La evaluación alergológica y la posibilidad de desensibilización constituyeron herramientas útiles en el manejo de nuestro paciente

Enzyme replacement therapy with idursulfase decreases morbidity and improves quality of life of patients with mucopolysaccharidosis ii. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to this drug have been described. Desensitization is a treatment that induces temporary tolerance to a culprit drug, allowing the allergic patient to receive the medication.We present the case of a 7-year-old patient diagnosed with Hunter syndrome who presented, after 4 years of treatment, two episodes of anaphylaxis during the infusion of idursulfase. Detection of specific immunoglobulin E was carried out using skin tests, with intradermal reaction at a 1/10 dilution (0.2 mg/ml) being positive. A 12-step desensitization protocol was performed without presenting adverse events.The allergological evaluation and the possibility of desensitization were useful tools in the management of our patient.

"Experimentando" a alergia à marijuana (Cannabis sativa), e os porquês de ficarmos "ligados" / "Experiencing" an allergy to marijuana (Cannabis sativa), and the reasons for staying "aware"

O primeiro relato de reação alérgica à Cannabis sativa foi publicado em 1971, com a descrição de uma mulher de 29 anos que após fumar maconha pela primeira vez apresentou sintomas compatíveis com uma reação anafilática. A alergia à maconha pode manifestar-se por sintomas diversos, inclusive graves e generalizados, com reações cruzadas, principalmente, mas não exclusivamente, com frutas e vegetais. Portanto, é de suma importância familiarizar-se com os sinais e sintomas da alergia à Cannabis, conhecer as opções disponíveis para o diagnóstico, as perspectivas de tratamento e como orientar o paciente. Esta revisão tem por objetivo destacar a diversidade de rotas de sensibilização e reações à planta, enfatizando a heterogeneidade de apresentações da alergia à Cannabis.

The first report of an allergic reaction to Cannabis sativa was published in 1971, with the description of a case of a 29-yearold woman who had symptoms consistent with an anaphylactic reaction after smoking marijuana for the first time. A marijuana allergy can manifest by various symptoms, including severe and disseminated symptoms with cross-reactions mainly, but not exclusively, with fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is extremely important to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of a cannabis allergy and to know the options available for diagnosis, treatment perspectives, as well as how to guide the patient. This review aims to highlight the diversity of sensitization routes and reactions to the plant, emphasizing the heterogeneity of presentations of a cannabis allergy.

Pediatric asthma: impact of the disease in children receiving outpatient treatment in southern brazil / Asma pediátrica: impacto da doença em crianças em acompanhamento ambulatorial no sul do brasil

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the impact of pediatric asthma on patients of a specialized outpatient clinic in Southern Brazil. Methods: The study included children aged 8 to 17 years old with asthma diagnosis (mild, moderate and severe) under treatment at the asthma clinic of Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Brazil. Measurements of spirometry, quality of life, disease control and atopy tests were applied. Results: A total of 66 children were included in the study and divided into groups, according to the severity of the disease: mild, moderate or severe asthma. The results showed similarities in both the treatment and the impact of asthma between groups, except for adherence to treatment: the group with mild asthma showed least adherence to treatment, and the group with severe asthma, greater adherence (p=0.011). As to school absenteeism, the group with severe asthma showed higher frequency (p=0.012), with over 10 days per year (p=0.043). Spirometry showed lower volume/capacity for the group with moderate asthma, followed by the groups with severe and mild asthma. All groups had a high prevalence of allergic asthma, with mites as the main allergens. For quality of life (QOL), and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) levels, there were no differences between groups. In addition, the values were close to the acceptable levels for the total score and for each one of the six domains. The same occurred for the HRQOL-asthma module. Conclusions: QOL and HRQOL present acceptable levels regardless of the severity of the disease.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da asma pediátrica de pacientes em acompanhamento ambulatorial em um centro de referência em pneumopediatria do Sul do Brasil. Métodos: Participaram do estudo crianças com idade entre oito e 17 anos, com diagnóstico de asma (leve, moderada e grave), em acompanhamento no ambulatório de asma do Hospital São Lucas da Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Foram verificadas medidas de espirometria, avaliação dos níveis de qualidade de vida, controle da doença e teste de atopia. Resultados: Sessenta e seis crianças participaram do estudo, divididas em três grupos (asma leve, moderada e grave). Evidenciaram-se semelhanças tanto no tratamento quanto no impacto da asma, exceto para a adesão ao tratamento (p=0,011), em que o grupo de asma leve é o que menos adere e o grupo de asma grave o que mais adere ao tratamento. Em relação ao absenteísmo escolar, o grupo de asma grave apresentou o maior valor (p=0,012), com mais de dez dias/ano (p=0,043). As espirometrias demonstram menor volume/capacidade para o grupo de asma moderada, seguido do grupo de asma grave e asma leve. Os grupos possuem alta prevalência de asma alérgica, tendo os ácaros como os principais alérgenos. Quanto à qualidade de vida (QV) e à qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde (QVRS), não houve diferença entre os grupos. Além disso, os valores apresentados estão próximos aos níveis aceitáveis, tanto para o escore total quanto para os seis domínios analisados. O mesmo ocorre para o módulo QVRS-asma. Conclusões: Os níveis de QV e de QVRS demonstram-se aceitáveis, independentemente da gravidade da doença.

Banana anaphylaxis in Thailand: case series

BACKGROUND: Banana fruit has been recognized as an important food allergen source. Nowadays banana hypersensitivity had been reported more frequently with various presentations from oral allergy syndrome to anaphylaxis.OBJECTIVE: This study aims to describe the pattern of banana hypersensitivity and the sensitivity of diagnostic test.METHODS: Six patients who experienced banana hypersensitivity were recruited from adult allergy clinic, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University between 2015–2018. Demographic data, pattern of banana allergy consisted of the onset of reaction, symptoms, severity, cross-reactivity to kiwi, avocado, latex including type and amount of banana were collected. Skin test, serum specific IgE to banana and open-label food challenge test had been applied.RESULTS: All patients experienced multiple episodes of banana anaphylaxis. Regarding the diagnostic investigation, prick-to-prick skin test had higher sensitivity (sensitivity, 100%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 54.07%–100%) than the commercial banana extract (sensitivity, 83.33%; 95% CI, 35.88%–99.58%) and serum specific IgE to banana (sensitivity, 50%; 95% CI, 11.81%–88.19%). The discordance between skin prick test using commercial banana extract and skin test was reported. The cross-reactivity between the species of banana, kiwi, the avocado was documented in all patients. Latex skin prick test and application test were applied with negative results. From the oral food challenge test, a case of banana anaphylaxis patient can tolerate heated banana.CONCLUSION: The various phenotypes of banana hypersensitivity were identified. The prick-to-prick test showed the highest sensitivity for diagnosis of banana allergy. However, component resolved diagnostics might be needed for conclusive diagnosis.

A case of nizatidine-induced immediate hypersensitivity

Nizatidine is a histamine H₂ receptor antagonist that inhibits stomach acid production and is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer and gastroesophageal reflux. H₂ receptor antagonists are typically well tolerated, and hypersensitivity reactions are rare. A 19-year-old woman developed urticaria 30 minutes after taking a drug containing nizatidine. Allergic reactions to nizatidine were confirmed via skin prick test, which also revealed cross-reactions to ranitidine. We believe that this is the first case report on immediate hypersensitivity to nizatidine in Korea.

A case of rapid desensitization for rituximab-induced delayed hypersensitivity reaction

Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used for the treatment of B-cell malignancies, including diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Infusion-related hypersensitivity reactions to rituximab is well known, and delayed hypersensitivity reactions to rituximab are also reported. Desensitization is commonly used to prevent immediate hypersensitivity reactions, but recently there have been cases of successful desensitization therapy for delayed hypersensitivity reactions. A 66-year-old patient who underwent rituximab treatment for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma showed repeated rituximab-induced delayed hypersensitivity reactions with whole body rashes. Intravenous rapid desensitization was performed by using a 1-bottle, 11-step protocol for 6 cycles and thereafter hypersensitivity reaction did not recur. We herein reported a case of delayed hypersensitivity reaction caused by rituximab, which was successfully desensitized using our 11-step protocol.

Successful cholecalciferol desensitisation in a case of delayed hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity to cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) or its active metabolite, calcitriol, is an exceedingly rare clinical phenomenon, with only 2 previously reported cases of suspected immediate hypersensitivity. Diagnosis of delayed drug hypersensitivity reactions is inherently difficult due to the lack of any robust in vitro diagnostic assay, particularly in those patients for whom provocation testing confers an unacceptable risk. In these situations, diagnosis relies on reproducible clinical manifestations following administration of the culprit agent, resolution upon its withdrawal and exclusion of other potential differential diagnoses. Based on these criteria, we propose the first reported case of delayed hypersensitivity to cholecalciferol successfully managed with a desensitisation protocol to pure cholecalciferol.

Results of Intradermal Skin Testing with Cefazolin according to a History of Hypersensitivity to Antibiotics

Does Cephalosporin Skin Test Predict Immediate Hypersensitivity to Cephalosporin?

No abstract available.

A case of hair dye-induced contact anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a sudden-onset life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction. Allergens, such as foods, stinging insect venoms, and drugs, are the globally important causative factors for anaphylaxis. Para-phenylenediamine (PPD), an aromatic amine, is a well-known hair dye component that can act as a skin irritant and/or a skin sensitizer. As an allergen, PPD can induce various reactions; the most common being contact dermatitis, a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. Anaphylaxis or other immediate hypersensitivity reactions by hair dye contact is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported worldwide. Here, we report a case of a 63-year-old female who presented to the Emergency Department with dyspnea, rash, vomiting, and diarrhea within minutes after using a hair dye product containing PPD. Her past medical history includes urticaria of unknown cause. Her total IgE antibody level was increased to 630 kU/L. Skin prick and patch tests with the hair dye she applied at the time of anaphylaxis demonstrated an immediate reaction. An additional patch test with 25 common contact allergens showed positive reaction to PPD. This is the first case report of hair dye-induced contact anaphylaxis presenting sensitization to PPD in Korea.

Eperisone-Induced Anaphylaxis: Pharmacovigilance Data and Results of Allergy Testing

PURPOSE: Eperisone is an oral muscle relaxant used in musculoskeletal disorders causing muscle spasm and pain. For more effective pain control, eperisone is usually prescribed together with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As such, eperisone may have been overlooked as the cause of anaphylaxis compared with NSAIDs. This study aimed to analyze the adverse drug reaction (ADR) reported in Korea and suggest an appropriate diagnostic approach for eperisone-induced anaphylaxis. METHODS: We reviewed eperisone-related pharmacovigilance data (Korea Institute of Drug Safety-Korea Adverse Event Reporting System [KIDS-KAERS]) reported in Korea from 2010 to 2015. ADRs with causal relationship were selected. Clinical manifestations, severity, outcomes, and re-exposure information were analyzed. For further investigation, 7-year ADR data reported in a single center were also reviewed. Oral provocation test (OPT), skin prick test (SPT) and basophil activation test (BAT) were performed in this center. RESULTS: During the study period, 207 patients had adverse reactions to eperisone. The most common ADRs were cutaneous hypersensitive reactions (30.4%) such as urticaria, itchiness or angioedema. Fifth common reported ADR was anaphylaxis. There were 35 patients with anaphylaxis, comprising 16.9% of the eperisone-related ADRs. In the single center study, there were 11 patients with eperisone-induced anaphylaxis. All the patients underwent OPT and all the provoked patients showed a positive reaction. Four of the 11 patients with anaphylaxis also underwent SPT and BAT, which were all negative. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of eperisone-induced anaphylaxis calculated from the KIDS-KAERS database was 0.001%. Eperisone can cause hypersensitive reactions, including anaphylaxis, possibly by inducing non-immunoglobulin E-mediated immediate hypersensitivity.

Anafilaxia a morfina e tramadol: relato de caso / Anaphylactic reaction to morphine and tramadol: case report

A investigação diagnóstica de reações anafiláticas durante a anestesia é difícil, uma vez que vários medicamentos são administrados. O diagnóstico é necessário para evitar uma reexposição ao medicamento potencialmente ofensivo. Os opioides raramente causam anafilaxia. A incidência total de reação de hipersensibilidade imediata aos opiáceos é desconhecida, e as incidências diferenciais de reações alérgicas e não alérgicas aos opiáceos também. Os dados sobre a sensibilidade cruzada entre as classes de medicamentos são limitados pela ocorrência rara destas alergias, e qualquer uso de opioide em um paciente com alergia relatada deve ser feito com cautela. O valor dos testes cutâneos de leitura imediata nos indivíduos sensíveis aos opiáceos é incerto, por poderem causar desgranulação direta dos mastócitos, e o teste de IgE sérico para opiáceos não está disponível comercialmente. O objetivo dos autores é relatar um caso de anafilaxia perioperatória, tendo como agente causal um opioide e discorrer sobre a investigação e implicações decorrentes do uso destes medicamentos. Estudos bem desenhados e adequadamente controlados sobre o assunto ainda são necessários para melhor entendimento das reações e maior segurança para o uso destes medicamentos.

Diagnostic investigation of anaphylactic reactions during anesthesia is difficult, since several drugs are administered simultaneously. However, diagnosis is necessary to avoid reexposure to potentially harmful drugs. Opioids rarely cause anaphylaxis. The overall incidence of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to opiates is unknown, as are the differential incidences of allergic and non-allergic reactions. Data on cross-sensitivity between different classes of drugs are limited by the rare occurrence of these allergies, and any use of opioids in a patient with a reported history of allergy should be made with caution. The value of immediate-reading skin tests in opiate-sensitive individuals is uncertain, as they may cause direct degranulation of mast cells; serum-specific IgE testing for opiates, in turn, is not commercially available. The objective of this study was to report a case of perioperative anaphylaxis to opioid and to discuss the diagnostic investigation and implications of the use of these drugs. Well-designed and adequately controlled studies are needed to improve our understanding of reactions to these drugs and to make their use safer.

The relationship between atopy and neurological manifestations in HTLV-1 infection

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)induces exaggerated Th1 responses, whereas atopy is associated with exacerbated Th2 responses. METHODS: Here, a cross-sectional study compared the prevalence of atopy in HTLV-1 carriers and HAM/TSP patients. It also compared the spontaneous cytokine production in HTLV-1-infected individuals. A retrospective cohort study evaluated the development of neurological manifestations in atopic and non-atopic carriers. RESULTS: Atopic HAM/TSP patients with high IFN-γ production exhibited higher IL-5 levels than non-atopic patients. Allergic rhinitis accelerated the development of Babinski signals and overactive bladders. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal Th1 and Th2 responses coexist in HTLV-1-infected individuals and allergic diseases may worsen the clinical course of HTLV-1 infections.

Frecuencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas en niños y adolescentes con asma de la provincia de Pinar del Río / Frequency of acute breathing infections in children and adolescents with asthma from Pinar del Río province

Se realizó un estudio epidemiológico analítico, de casos y controles en fase exploratoria, con vistas a determinar si la frecuencia de infecciones respiratorias en niños y adolescentes con asma de la provincia de Pinar del Río superaba la observada en aquellos que no presentaban esa enfermedad, desde julio del 2014 hasta junio del 2015. Para ello se conformaron 2 grupos de 585 integrantes cada uno, o sea un control por cada caso. Luego de procesada la información, se obtuvo un predominio del sexo masculino, en tanto, el catarro común fue la infección que afectó con mayor frecuencia fundamentalmente a los pacientes de 5-9 años de edad. Asimismo, se destacó un incremento del riesgo de padecer -- por orden de frecuencia -- afecciones, tales como catarro común, amigdalitis aguda y neumonía, bronconeumonía, así como neumonía intersticial

An analytic epidemiologic, of cases and controls study in exploratory phase, aimed at determining if the frequency of breathing infections in children and adolescents with asthma from Pinar del Río exceeded the one observed in those that didn't present that disease, was carried out from July, 2014 to June, 2015. Two groups of 585 members each one were conformed for that purpose, that is to say a control for each case. After having processed the information, there was a prevalence of the male sex, while, the common cold was the infection that affected with higher frequency fundamentally those patients aged 5-9. Also, it was emphasized an increment of the risk from suffering -- in order of frequency -- disorders, such as common cold, acute tonsillitis and pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, as well as interstitial pneumonia

Pyrazinamide-Induced Urticaria and Angioedema: a Case Report / 대한내과학회지

Pyrazinamide (PZA) is an anti-tuberculosis drug and an essential component of the standard four-drug regimen for tuberculosis. Here, we report a case of immediate angioedema secondary to PZA administration intended for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment. A previously healthy 48-year-old woman was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculous lymphadenitis. Thirty minutes after taking the first dose of isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, the patient developed facial edema, generalized rash, and dizziness. An oral provocation test was performed on the four drugs, and 1,000 mg pyrazinamide showed a positive result characterized by 50 minutes of urticaria, angioedema, and hypotension. As the prevalence of tuberculosis increases, prescriptions for anti-tuberculosis drugs may increase as well. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of immediate hypersensitivity as well as delayed hypersensitivity to anti-tuberculosis drugs.

Proper Cut-off Levels of Serum Specific IgE to Cefaclor for Patients with Cefaclor Allergy

PURPOSE: Cefaclor, a second-generation oral cephalosporin, is known to cause IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. Assays of serum-specific IgE (sIgE) to cefaclor are commercially available via the ImmunoCAP system (Thermo Fisher Scientific). While serum levels of sIgE >0.35 kU/L are considered indicative of an allergy, some patients with cefaclor allergy show low serum IgE levels. This study aimed to evaluate the proper cut-off levels of sIgE in the diagnosis of immediate hypersensitivity to cefaclor. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 269 patients with drug allergy history, who underwent assays of sIgE to cefaclor at Ajou University hospital and Dong-A University Hospital, were reviewed retrospectively. Among them, 193 patients exhibited cefaclor-induced immediate hypersensitivity with certain or probable causality of an adverse drug reaction according to the WHO-UMC (the World Health Organization-the Uppsala Monitoring Centre) algorithm, and 76 controls showed delayed hypersensitivity reactions to non-antibiotics. RESULTS: In total, 126 of the 193 patients (65.3%) experienced anaphylaxis; they had higher serum sIgE levels than patients with immediate hypersensitivity who did not experience anaphylaxis (6.36±12.39 kU/L vs. 4.28±13.61 kU/L, p < 0.001). The best cut-off value for cefaclor-induced immediate hypersensitivity was 0.11 kU/L, with sensitivity of 80.2% and specificity of 81.6%. A cut-off value of 0.44 kU/L showed the best sensitivity (75.4%) and specificity (65.7%) for differentiating anaphylaxis from immediate hypersensitivity reactions. CONCLUSION: Patients with cefaclor anaphylaxis exhibit high serum IgE levels. A cut-off value of 0.11 kU/L of sIgE to cefaclor is proper for identifying patients with cefaclor allergy, and 0.44 kU/L may be useful to detect anaphylaxis.

Immediate Hypersensitivity Reactions Induced by Triamcinolone in a Patient with Atopic Dermatitis

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic agents used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases, including allergic disease. They are frequently considered the therapy-of-choice for many skin diseases. However, allergic reactions caused by corticosteroids have been reported. Among these, delayed reactions to topical steroids are more common, whereas immediate reactions to systemic steroids are rare. Herein, we report the case of a 32-year-old woman with triamcinolone-induced immediate hypersensitivity reaction, in which the patient had a positive prick test result with triamcinolone. She has had atopic dermatitis (AD) for three years. She had used systemic steroid, cyclosporine, and antihistamine with topical steroids for AD. In clinic, approximately 10 minutes after intralesional injection of triamcinolone, she complained of erythematous patches with slight elevation and itching on the face, trunk, and both hands. After intravenous injection of dexamethasone, her symptoms got worse. After treatment with epinephrine, all symptoms resolved within two hours. We performed an open test and skin prick test. She had a positive result only from the prick test with triamcinolone; all other steroids showed negative results from the open tests. Dermatologists should be aware of the possibility of anaphylaxis or other allergic hypersensitivity in response to corticosteroids.

Exames para avaliar a sensibilização ao aspergillus fumigatus em fibrose cística / Tests to assess sensitization to aspergillus fumigatus in cystic fibrosis

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados dos exames utilizados para identificar a sensibilização IgE-mediada ao Aspergillus fumigatus em pacientes com fibrose cística. Métodos: Estudo transversal descritivo com amostra de conveniência de 86 pacientes com fibrose cística, acompanhados em Serviço de Referência de Fibrose Cística de hospital universitário terciário. Realizaram-se exames para avaliar sensibilização ao A. fumigatus em pacientes com fibrose cística: IgE sérica total, contagem de eosinófilos sanguíneos, identificação do fungo por swab de orofaringe ou por cultura de escarro, IgE sérica específica e testes cutâneos de hipersensibilidade imediata. Foram comparados os resultados dos diferentes exames realizados. Resultados: Em 33 (38,4%) pacientes com fibrose cística, com faixa etária de 1 a 33 anos (mediana de 8 anos), os resultados dos exames sobre sensibilização IgE mediada ao A. fumigatus foram: em 16 pacientes, aumento de IgE sérica específica (>0,35 kU/L); em 23, positividade aos testes cutâneos; e seis mostraram sensibilização a partir dos dois exames. Foram observados dois pacientes com eosinofilia (>1.000 eosinófilos/mm3) e sete com aumento de IgE sérica total (>1.000 UI/mL), sem que esses apresentassem positividade aos testes cutâneos ou aumento de IgE específica ao A. fumigatus. Em nenhum paciente foi isolado A. fumigatus no swab de orofaringe e/ou na cultura de escarro. Conclusões: Concluímos que, entre os exames para avaliar a sensibilização ao A. fumigatus na fibrose cística, são necessários os teste cutâneos de hipersensibilidade imediata e a dosagem de IgE sérica específica ao A. fumigatus. A eosinofilia sérica e a cultura de secreções respiratórias não foram essenciais neste estudo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the results of the tests used to identify the IgE mediated sensitization to Aspergillus fumigatus in patients with cystic fibrosis. Methods: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study with a convenience sample of 86 patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the Reference Service in Cystic Fibrosis at a tertiary teaching hospital. The following tests were performed to assess the sensitization to A. fumigatus in patients with cystic fibrosis: Total serum IgE, eosinophil count, fungus detection through oropharyngeal swab or sputum culture, serum-specific IgE, and immediate-type hypersensitivity (IgE) skin tests. We compared the results of the different tests performed. Results: In 33 (38.4%) patients with cystic fibrosis, with ages ranging from 1 to 33 years (median of 8 years), the IgE-mediated A. fumigatus sensitization test results were: in 16 patients, there was an increase in serum-specific IgE (>0.35 kU/L); in 23, skin tests were positive; and six had sensitization in both tests. We observed two patients with eosinophilia (>1,000 eosinophils/mm3) and seven with increasing total serum IgE (>1,000 IU/mL), all of whom obtained negative results in skin tests and had no IgE increase specific to A. fumigatus. A. fumigatus was not detected in oropharyngeal swabs and/or sputum culture of any patients. Conclusions: We conclude that, among the tests used to assess sensitization to A. fumigatus in cystic fibrosis patients, both serum-specific IgE and immediate-type hypersensitivity (IgE) skin tests are required. Serum eosinophilia and respiratory secretion culture were not essential in this study.