Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting ß2-agonists in asthma: A MASK-air study.

INTRODUCTION: Adherence to controller medication is a major problem in asthma management, being difficult to assess and tackle. mHealth apps can be used to assess adherence. We aimed to assess the adherence to inhaled corticosteroids+long-acting ß2-agonists (ICS+LABA) in users of the MASK-air® app, comparing the adherence to ICS+formoterol (ICS+F) with that to ICS+other LABA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed complete weeks of MASK-air® data (2015-2022; 27 countries) from patients with self-reported asthma and ICS+LABA use. We compared patients reporting ICS+F versus ICS+other LABA on adherence levels, symptoms and symptom-medication scores. We built regression models to assess whether adherence to ICS+LABA was associated with asthma control or short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) use. Sensitivity analyses were performed considering the weeks with no more than one missing day. RESULTS: In 2598 ICS+LABA users, 621 (23.9%) reported 4824 complete weeks and 866 (33.3%) reported weeks with at most one missing day. Higher adherence (use of medication ≥80% of weekly days) was observed for ICS+other LABA (75.1%) when compared to ICS+F (59.3%), despite both groups displaying similar asthma control and work productivity. The ICS+other LABA group was associated with more days of SABA use than the ICS+F group (median=71.4% versus 57.1% days). Each additional weekly day of ICS+F use was associated with a 4.1% less risk in weekly SABA use (95%CI=-6.5;-1.6%;p=0.001). For ICS+other LABA, the percentage was 8.2 (95%CI=-11.6;-5.0%;p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In asthma patients adherent to the MASK-air app, adherence to ICS+LABA was high. ICS+F users reported lower adherence but also a lower SABA use and a similar level of control.

Rhinitis associated with asthma is distinct from rhinitis alone: The ARIA-MeDALL hypothesis.

Asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis (AD) are interrelated clinical phenotypes that partly overlap in the human interactome. The concept of "one-airway-one-disease," coined over 20 years ago, is a simplistic approach of the links between upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases. With new data, it is time to reassess the concept. This article reviews (i) the clinical observations that led to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), (ii) new insights into polysensitization and multimorbidity, (iii) advances in mHealth for novel phenotype definitions, (iv) confirmation in canonical epidemiologic studies, (v) genomic findings, (vi) treatment approaches, and (vii) novel concepts on the onset of rhinitis and multimorbidity. One recent concept, bringing together upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases with skin, gut, and neuropsychiatric multimorbidities, is the "Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis." This review determined that the "one-airway-one-disease" concept does not always hold true and that several phenotypes of disease can be defined. These phenotypes include an extreme "allergic" (asthma) phenotype combining asthma, rhinitis, and conjunctivitis. Rhinitis alone and rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity represent two distinct diseases with the following differences: (i) genomic and transcriptomic background (Toll-Like Receptors and IL-17 for rhinitis alone as a local disease; IL-33 and IL-5 for allergic and non-allergic multimorbidity as a systemic disease), (ii) allergen sensitization patterns (mono- or pauci-sensitization versus polysensitization), (iii) severity of symptoms, and (iv) treatment response. In conclusion, rhinitis alone (local disease) and rhinitis with asthma multimorbidity (systemic disease) should be considered as two distinct diseases, possibly modulated by the microbiome, and may be a model for understanding the epidemics of chronic and autoimmune diseases.

Identification by cluster analysis of patients with asthma and nasal symptoms using the MASK-air® mHealth app.

BACKGROUND: The self-reporting of asthma frequently leads to patient misidentification in epidemiological studies. Strategies combining the triangulation of data sources may help to improve the identification of people with asthma. We aimed to combine information from the self-reporting of asthma, medication use and symptoms to identify asthma patterns in the users of an mHealth app. METHODS: We studied MASK-air® users who reported their daily asthma symptoms (assessed by a 0-100 visual analogue scale - "VAS Asthma") at least three times (either in three different months or in any period). K-means cluster analysis methods were applied to identify asthma patterns based on: (i) whether the user self-reported asthma; (ii) whether the user reported asthma medication use and (iii) VAS asthma. Clusters were compared by the number of medications used, VAS asthma levels and Control of Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Test (CARAT) levels. FINDINGS: We assessed a total of 8,075 MASK-air® users. The main clustering approach resulted in the identification of seven groups. These groups were interpreted as probable: (i) severe/uncontrolled asthma despite treatment (11.9-16.1% of MASK-air® users); (ii) treated and partly-controlled asthma (6.3-9.7%); (iii) treated and controlled asthma (4.6-5.5%); (iv) untreated uncontrolled asthma (18.2-20.5%); (v) untreated partly-controlled asthma (10.1-10.7%); (vi) untreated controlled asthma (6.7-8.5%) and (vii) no evidence of asthma (33.0-40.2%). This classification was validated in a study of 192 patients enrolled by physicians. INTERPRETATION: We identified seven profiles based on the probability of having asthma and on its level of control. mHealth tools are hypothesis-generating and complement classical epidemiological approaches in identifying patients with asthma.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis during and outside the pollen season using mobile technology. A MASK study.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of mobile health (mHealth) data has generated innovative insights into improving allergic rhinitis control, but additive information is needed. A cross-sectional real-world observational study was undertaken in 17 European countries during and outside the estimated pollen season. The aim was to collect novel information including the phenotypic characteristics of the users. METHODS: The Allergy Diary-MASK-air-mobile phone app, freely available via Google Play and App, was used to collect the data of daily visual analogue scales (VASs) for overall allergic symptoms and medication use. Fluticasone Furoate (FF), Mometasone Furoate (MF), Azelastine Fluticasone Proprionate combination (MPAzeFlu) and eight oral H1-antihistamines were studied. Phenotypic characteristics were recorded at entry. The ARIA severity score was derived from entry data. This was an a priori planned analysis. RESULTS: 9037 users filled in 70,286 days of VAS in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The ARIA severity score was lower outside than during the pollen season. Severity was similar for all treatment groups during the pollen season, and lower in the MPAzeFlu group outside the pollen season. Days with MPAzeFlu had lower VAS levels and a higher frequency of monotherapy than the other treatments during the season. Outside the season, days with MPAzeFlu also had a higher frequency of monotherapy. The number of reported days was significantly higher with MPAzeFlu during and outside the season than with MF, FF or oral H1-antihistamines. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the overall efficacy of treatments is similar during and outside the pollen season and indicates that medications are similarly effective during the year.

Correction to: Vilnius Declaration on chronic respiratory diseases: multisectoral care pathways embedding guided self-management, mHealth and air pollution in chronic respiratory diseases.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Guidance to 2018 good practice: ARIA digitally-enabled, integrated, person-centred care for rhinitis and asthma.

AIMS: Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK (MASK) belongs to the Fondation Partenariale MACVIA-LR of Montpellier, France and aims to provide an active and healthy life to rhinitis sufferers and to those with asthma multimorbidity across the life cycle, whatever their gender or socio-economic status, in order to reduce health and social inequities incurred by the disease and to improve the digital transformation of health and care. The ultimate goal is to change the management strategy in chronic diseases. METHODS: MASK implements ICT technologies for individualized and predictive medicine to develop novel care pathways by a multi-disciplinary group centred around the patients. STAKEHOLDERS: Include patients, health care professionals (pharmacists and physicians), authorities, patient's associations, private and public sectors. RESULTS: MASK is deployed in 23 countries and 17 languages. 26,000 users have registered. EU GRANTS 2018: MASK is participating in EU projects (POLLAR: impact of air POLLution in Asthma and Rhinitis, EIT Health, DigitalHealthEurope, Euriphi and Vigour). LESSONS LEARNT: (i) Adherence to treatment is the major problem of allergic disease, (ii) Self-management strategies should be considerably expanded (behavioural), (iii) Change management is essential in allergic diseases, (iv) Education strategies should be reconsidered using a patient-centred approach and (v) Lessons learnt for allergic diseases can be expanded to chronic diseases.

Vilnius Declaration on chronic respiratory diseases: multisectoral care pathways embedding guided self-management, mHealth and air pollution in chronic respiratory diseases.

BACKGROUND: Over 1 billion people suffer from chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma, COPD, rhinitis and rhinosinusitis. They cause an enormous burden and are considered as major non-communicable diseases. Many patients are still uncontrolled and the cost of inaction is unacceptable. A meeting was held in Vilnius, Lithuania (March 23, 2018) under the patronage of the Ministry of Health and several scientific societies to propose multisectoral care pathways embedding guided self-management, mHealth and air pollution in selected chronic respiratory diseases (rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, asthma and COPD). The meeting resulted in the Vilnius Declaration that was developed by the participants of the EU Summit on chronic respiratory diseases under the leadership of Euforea. CONCLUSION: The Vilnius Declaration represents an important step for the fight against air pollution in chronic respiratory diseases globally and has a clear strategic relevance with regard to the EU Health Strategy as it will bring added value to the existing public health knowledge.

Prevalence of self-reported drug hypersensitivity reactions among Lithuanian children and adults

Introduction and objectives: Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are the adverse effects of drugs that, when taken at doses generally tolerated by normal subjects, clinically resemble allergy. We aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported DHRs among Lithuanian children and adults and to identify possible risk factors. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey of a population visiting their general practitioners in Vilnius and Kaunas regions of Lithuania was performed. Thirty-five questions on drug allergy symptoms, in addition, food, pollen allergy and family history were included. Results: 3222 (60.0%) children and 2148 (40.0%) adults were included in the study. 7.9% of children and 13.8% of adults reported a DHR for at least one drug (p < 0.001). 69.8% of children and 47.3% of adults, who indicated DHRs, had skin symptoms. Rate of anaphylaxis was similar in both groups (about 10%). 4.5% of children and 7.3% of adults had DHRs induced by antibiotics and this was the most implicated group of drugs. Significant self-reported risk factors for DHRs were family history of DHRs (OR = 6.007, 95%CI 4.756-7.587), pollen allergy (OR = 2.0, 95%CI 1.573-2.544), food allergy (OR = 1.92, 95%CI 1.505-2.448), female gender (OR = 1.439, 95% CI 1.187-1.744) and age (OR=1.017 in favour of adults, 95% CI 1.013-1.021). Conclusions: The prevalence of self-reported DHRs in Lithuania is higher among adults than children. Drug-induced skin reactions were the predominant symptom in both groups. Besides female gender and age, a positive family history of DHR and presence of pollen or food allergy may be associated with DHR

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Prevalence of self-reported drug hypersensitivity reactions among Lithuanian children and adults.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are the adverse effects of drugs that, when taken at doses generally tolerated by normal subjects, clinically resemble allergy. We aimed to assess the prevalence of self-reported DHRs among Lithuanian children and adults and to identify possible risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of a population visiting their general practitioners in Vilnius and Kaunas regions of Lithuania was performed. Thirty-five questions on drug allergy symptoms, in addition, food, pollen allergy and family history were included. RESULTS: 3222 (60.0%) children and 2148 (40.0%) adults were included in the study. 7.9% of children and 13.8% of adults reported a DHR for at least one drug (p<0.001). 69.8% of children and 47.3% of adults, who indicated DHRs, had skin symptoms. Rate of anaphylaxis was similar in both groups (about 10%). 4.5% of children and 7.3% of adults had DHRs induced by antibiotics and this was the most implicated group of drugs. Significant self-reported risk factors for DHRs were family history of DHRs (OR=6.007, 95%CI 4.756-7.587), pollen allergy (OR=2.0, 95%CI 1.573-2.544), food allergy (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.505-2.448), female gender (OR=1.439, 95%CI 1.187-1.744) and age (OR=1.017 in favour of adults, 95%CI 1.013-1.021). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported DHRs in Lithuania is higher among adults than children. Drug-induced skin reactions were the predominant symptom in both groups. Besides female gender and age, a positive family history of DHR and presence of pollen or food allergy may be associated with DHR.

MASK 2017: ARIA digitally-enabled, integrated, person-centred care for rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity using real-world-evidence.

mHealth, such as apps running on consumer smart devices is becoming increasingly popular and has the potential to profoundly affect healthcare and health outcomes. However, it may be disruptive and results achieved are not always reaching the goals. Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) has evolved from a guideline using the best evidence-based approach to care pathways suited to real-life using mobile technology in allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma multimorbidity. Patients largely use over-the-counter medications dispensed in pharmacies. Shared decision making centered around the patient and based on self-management should be the norm. Mobile Airways Sentinel networK (MASK), the Phase 3 ARIA initiative, is based on the freely available MASK app (the Allergy Diary, Android and iOS platforms). MASK is available in 16 languages and deployed in 23 countries. The present paper provides an overview of the methods used in MASK and the key results obtained to date. These include a novel phenotypic characterization of the patients, confirmation of the impact of allergic rhinitis on work productivity and treatment patterns in real life. Most patients appear to self-medicate, are often non-adherent and do not follow guidelines. Moreover, the Allergy Diary is able to distinguish between AR medications. The potential usefulness of MASK will be further explored by POLLAR (Impact of Air Pollution on Asthma and Rhinitis), a new Horizon 2020 project using the Allergy Diary.

Geolocation with respect to personal privacy for the Allergy Diary app - a MASK study.

BACKGROUND: Collecting data on the localization of users is a key issue for the MASK (Mobile Airways Sentinel networK: the Allergy Diary) App. Data anonymization is a method of sanitization for privacy. The European Commission's Article 29 Working Party stated that geolocation information is personal data.To assess geolocation using the MASK method and to compare two anonymization methods in the MASK database to find an optimal privacy method. METHODS: Geolocation was studied for all people who used the Allergy Diary App from December 2015 to November 2017 and who reported medical outcomes. Two different anonymization methods have been evaluated: Noise addition (randomization) and k-anonymity (generalization). RESULTS: Ninety-three thousand one hundred and sixteen days of VAS were collected from 8535 users and 54,500 (58.5%) were geolocalized, corresponding to 5428 users. Noise addition was found to be less accurate than k-anonymity using MASK data to protect the users' life privacy. DISCUSSION: k-anonymity is an acceptable method for the anonymization of MASK data and results can be used for other databases.

Treatment of allergic rhinitis using mobile technology with real-world data: The MASK observational pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Large observational implementation studies are needed to triangulate the findings from randomized control trials as they reflect "real-world" everyday practice. In a pilot study, we attempted to provide additional and complementary insights on the real-life treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) using mobile technology. METHODS: A mobile phone app (Allergy Diary, freely available in Google Play and Apple App stores) collects the data of daily visual analog scales (VAS) for (i) overall allergic symptoms, (ii) nasal, ocular, and asthma symptoms, (iii) work, as well as (iv) medication use using a treatment scroll list including all medications (prescribed and over the counter (OTC)) for rhinitis customized for 15 countries. RESULTS: A total of 2871 users filled in 17 091 days of VAS in 2015 and 2016. Medications were reported for 9634 days. The assessment of days appeared to be more informative than the course of the treatment as, in real life, patients do not necessarily use treatment on a daily basis; rather, they appear to increase treatment use with the loss of symptom control. The Allergy Diary allowed differentiation between treatments within or between classes (intranasal corticosteroid use containing medications and oral H1-antihistamines). The control of days differed between no [best control], single, or multiple treatments (worst control). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the usefulness of the Allergy Diary in accessing and assessing everyday use and practice in AR. This pilot observational study uses a very simple assessment (VAS) on a mobile phone, shows novel findings, and generates new hypotheses.

Work productivity in rhinitis using cell phones: The MASK pilot study.

Allergic rhinitis often impairs social life and performance. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to use cell phone data to assess the impact on work productivity of uncontrolled rhinitis assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS). A mobile phone app (Allergy Diary, Google Play Store and Apple App Store) collects data from daily visual analogue scales (VAS) for overall allergic symptoms (VAS-global measured), nasal (VAS-nasal), ocular (VAS-ocular) and asthma symptoms (VAS-asthma) as well as work (VAS-work). A combined nasal-ocular score is calculated. The Allergy Diary is available in 21 countries. The app includes the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Allergic Specific Questionnaire (WPAI:AS) in six EU countries. All consecutive users who completed the VAS-work from 1 June to 31 October 2016 were included in the study. A total of 1136 users filled in 5818 days of VAS-work. Symptoms of allergic rhinitis were controlled (VAS-global <20) in approximately 60% of the days. In users with uncontrolled rhinitis, approximately 90% had some work impairment and over 50% had severe work impairment (VAS-work >50). There was a significant correlation between VAS-global calculated and VAS-work (Rho=0.83, P<0.00001, Spearman's rank test). In 144 users, there was a significant correlation between VAS-work and WPAI:AS (Rho=0.53, P<0.0001). This pilot study provides not only proof-of-concept data on the work impairment collected with the app but also data on the app itself, especially the distribution of responses for the VAS. This supports the interpretation that persons with rhinitis report both the presence and the absence of symptoms.

Pilot study of mobile phone technology in allergic rhinitis in European countries: the MASK-rhinitis study.

BACKGROUND: The use of Apps running on smartphones and tablets profoundly affects medicine. The MASK-rhinitis (MACVIA-ARIA Sentinel NetworK for allergic rhinitis) App (Allergy Diary) assesses allergic rhinitis symptoms, disease control and impact on patients' lives. It is freely available in 20 countries (iOS and Android platforms). AIMS: To assess in a pilot study whether (i) Allergy Diary users were able to properly provide baseline characteristics (ii) simple phenotypic characteristics based upon data captured by the Allergy Diary could be identified and (iii) information gathered by this study could suggest novel research questions. METHODS: The Allergy Diary users were classified into six groups according to the baseline data that they entered into the App: (i) asymptomatic; (ii) nasal symptoms excluding rhinorrhea; (iii) rhinorrhea; (iv) rhinorrhea plus 1-2 nasal/ocular symptoms; (v) rhinorrhea plus ≥3 nasal/ocular symptoms; and (vi) rhinorrhea plus all nasal/ocular symptoms. RESULTS: By 1 June 2016, 3260 users had registered with the Allergy Diary and 2710 had completed the baseline questionnaire. Troublesome symptoms were found mainly in the users with the most symptoms. Around 50% of users with troublesome rhinitis and/or ocular symptoms suffered work impairment. Sleep was impaired by troublesome symptoms and nasal obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first App (iOS and Android) to have tested for allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis. A simple questionnaire administered by cell phones enables the identification of phenotypic differences between a priori defined rhinitis groups. The results suggest novel concepts and research questions in allergic rhinitis that may not be identified using classical methods.

Drug allergy passport and other documentation for patients with drug hypersensitivity - An ENDA/EAACI Drug Allergy Interest Group Position Paper.

The strongest and best-documented risk factor for drug hypersensitivity (DH) is the history of a previous reaction. Accidental exposures to drugs may lead to severe or even fatal reactions in sensitized patients. Preventable prescription errors are common. They are often due to inadequate medical history or poor risk assessment of recurrence of drug reaction. Proper documentation is essential information for the doctor to make sound therapeutic decision. The European Network on Drug Allergy and Drug Allergy Interest Group of the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology have formed a task force and developed a drug allergy passport as well as general guidelines of drug allergy documentation. A drug allergy passport, a drug allergy alert card, a certificate, and a discharge letter after medical evaluation are adequate means to document DH in a patient. They are to be handed to the patient who is advised to carry the documentation at all times especially when away from home. A drug allergy passport should at least contain information on the culprit drug(s) including international nonproprietary name, clinical manifestations including severity, diagnostic measures, potential cross-reactivity, alternative drugs to prescribe, and where more detailed information can be obtained from the issuer. It should be given to patients only after full allergy workup. In the future, electronic prescription systems with alert functions will become more common and should include the same information as in paper-based documentation.

Self-reported drug allergy in health care workers in conservative and surgical medicine departments.

BACKGROUND: Drug allergy comprises 10% to 30% of all adverse drug reactions, and according to data from the literature, sensitivity to drug allergens is 2 to 3 times more common in health care workers than in the general population. OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of self-reported drug allergy in health care workers and compare the data obtained between doctors and nurses from conservative medicine (CM) and surgical medicine (SM) departments. METHODS: This was an analytic questionnaire-based survey conducted using the European Network of Drug Allergy questionnaire adapted to the Lithuanian population. The questionnaires were completed by 346 individuals. RESULTS: Nurses from SM departments reported allergy symptoms more frequently than doctors from the same departments (38.1% vs. 16.7%, P = .01) and nurses from the CM departments (38.1% vs. 18%; P = .02). The most common drugs reported to cause hypersensitivity symptoms were similar in the CM and SM departments: antibiotics (8.8% and 12.7%), local anesthetics (2.9% and 6.9%), and group B vitamins (1.2% and 2.1%). Skin damage was indicated as the most common clinical manifestation. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the data reported by the questionnaire respondents, drug allergy was most prevalent among nurses from the SM departments, and antibiotics and local anesthetics were the most common substances that induced the symptoms.

Pharmacovigilance of drug allergy and hypersensitivity using the ENDA-DAHD database and the GALEN platform. The Galenda project.

Nonallergic hypersensitivity and allergic reactions are part of the many different types of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Databases exist for the collection of ADRs. Spontaneous reporting makes up the core data-generating system of pharmacovigilance, but there is a large under-estimation of allergy/hypersensitivity drug reactions. A specific database is therefore required for drug allergy and hypersensitivity using standard operating procedures (SOPs), as the diagnosis of drug allergy/hypersensitivity is difficult and current pharmacovigilance algorithms are insufficient. Although difficult, the diagnosis of drug allergy/hypersensitivity has been standardized by the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) under the aegis of the European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology and SOPs have been published. Based on ENDA and Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN, EU Framework Programme 6) SOPs, a Drug Allergy and Hypersensitivity Database (DAHD((R))) has been established under FileMaker((R)) Pro 9. It is already available online in many different languages and can be accessed using a personal login. GA(2)LEN is a European network of 27 partners (16 countries) and 59 collaborating centres (26 countries), which can coordinate and implement the DAHD across Europe. The GA(2)LEN-ENDA-DAHD platform interacting with a pharmacovigilance network appears to be of great interest for the reporting of allergy/hypersensitivity ADRs in conjunction with other pharmacovigilance instruments.

Clinical presentation and time course in hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactams.

BACKGROUND: beta-lactam hypersensitivity reactions are classified as immediate or nonimmediate. Diagnosis is usually based upon skin tests and provocation challenges. OBJECTIVE: The time course of the reactions in proven beta-lactam hypersensitivities was studied and then correlated with the symptoms to determine the relationship between the clinical presentations and the time course. METHOD: All of the patients who consulted between 1996 and 2004 for a suspected beta-lactam hypersensitivity reaction were studied. Two hundred and ten patients with a proven hypersensitivity reaction diagnosed according to the European Network on Drug Allergy were included in the present study. RESULTS: Of the patients, 36.7% had urticaria as a single symptom, 19.1% anaphylaxis without shock, 17.6% anaphylactic shock and 19.1% maculopapular exanthema. Anaphylactic shock and anaphylaxis mostly occurred within 1 h after drug administration. Exanthema mainly occurred after 24 h. Urticaria as a single symptom occurred at any time. A firm diagnosis was determined using immediate-reading skin prick (10.0%) and intradermal tests (38.1%), late-reading skin tests (19.1%) or provocation tests (32.9%). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATION: Depending on the time course of the reaction, three clinical groups were identified: anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock (immediate reaction); maculopapular exanthema (late reaction) as well as urticaria (immediate and late reaction).

Diagnosis of iodinated contrast media hypersensitivity: results of a 6-year period.

BACKGROUND: Iodinated contrast media (ICM) hypersensitivity reactions represent a serious problem. Very few clinical data concerning systematic skin testing to ICM are available. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of ICM skin testing in patients with ICM hypersensitivity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients referred over a 6-year period for ICM hypersensitivity past reactions were skin tested for (a) the implicated ICM, or (b) a set of ICM if they were positive for the implicated ICM or if its name was unknown. RESULTS: Forty-four patients, with a median age of 56 years, were studied (15 males, 29 females). The ICM skin tests were positive in 10 patients (23%): one had a positive skin prick test, seven an immediate positive intradermal test (IDT) and two a delayed positive IDT. Skin tests were more often positive in patients with immediate (9/32) as compared with those with non-immediate reactions (1/11). The time interval between the reaction and skin testing was shorter for those patients with an immediate ICM reaction and a positive skin test result (3 months [2.5-174.0]) as compared with those with an immediate ICM reaction and a negative skin test (48 months [6.8-159.0]), (P<0.05). Respiratory allergy was more frequent in the positive group (6/10 vs. 7/34, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Skin tests with ICM are positive in a subgroup of patients with ICM hypersensitivity and may play an important role in the diagnosis of ICM allergy.