Cefepime-Induced Generalized Fixed Drug Eruption With Morbilliform Rash.

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a cutaneous reaction that characteristically recurs in the same locations upon re-exposure to the offending drug(s). The typical presentation of FDEs is single or multiple violaceous plaques with hyperpigmentation due to inflammation. The causative agents for FDEs include antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, barbiturates, and anticonvulsants. We present an interesting case of a generalized fixed drug eruption secondary to cefepime that resolved with the cessation of the offending drug and the institution of antihistamines and topical steroids.

Imported fire ant immunotherapy.

Imported fire ants (IFAs) permeate many areas of the United States. The IFA allergy is a significant health problem for children and adults. Stings from IFAs cause pustules, localized reactions, and anaphylaxis. There have been at least 32 deaths attributed to IFA stings. Because of the difficulty with the extraction of venom from the fire ants, whole body extracts are the only commercially available serum for immunotherapy. Fortunately, whole body extract immunotherapy given conventionally or through the rush method has proven to be efficacious and safe. It is recommended for the treatment of IFA hypersensitivity. Maintenance immunotherapy is typically given at 4-week intervals. However, more recent research has revealed that these intervals can gradually be extended up to 12 weeks similar to flying Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy. Long-term adherence to IFA immunotherapy remains an obstacle for many patients despite its potential as a life-saving treatment.

A Complicated Case of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease With Kounis Syndrome.

Kounis syndrome is angina or acute coronary syndrome caused by mast cell degranulation and inflammatory cell activation. We present a case of a patient with underlying aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) and previous anaphylaxis to aspirin. The patient underwent aspirin desensitization and was then treated with high-dose aspirin. Unfortunately, he developed recurrent angina and myocardial infarction (MI). Numerous left heart catheterizations revealed vasospasms as the etiology of his MIs; however, therapy with increasing doses of vasodilators yielded no improvement in the patient's condition. Ultimately the patient's aspirin was discontinued and he had no recurrence of angina or MI.

A Failure of Rapid Drug Desensitization.

We present the case of a patient who was unable to tolerate rapid drug desensitization protocol to receive a continuous penicillin (PCN) G infusion for the treatment of neurosyphilis. A 38-year-old male with past medical history for human immunodeficiency virus, migraines, PCN allergy, doxycycline allergy, shellfish allergy, and untreated latent syphilis presented to the emergency room for a posterior migraine with associated nausea, vomiting, photophobia, right-sided paresthesias, and "shaky" vision. He was diagnosed with neurosyphilis and underwent rapid drug desensitization with the goal to receive a continuous infusion of PCN G. The patient's hospital course was complicated by intermittent drug reactions consisting of tachycardia, rash, and dyspnea, followed by periods of being able to tolerate the infusion. After being able to tolerate the recommended dose of PCN infusion, the patient was discharged home to complete the course. However, he returned almost immediately after a recurrence of symptoms at home requiring the use of intramuscular epinephrine. Ultimately, the patient was transitioned to ceftriaxone and completed the infusion course as an inpatient because of continued intermittent recurrence of drug reaction symptoms.

A Case of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole-Induced Aseptic Meningitis Masquerading as Septic Shock.

Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-induced aseptic meningitis (TSIAM) is a rare adverse reaction to a commonly prescribed antibiotic. We describe a case of severe TSIAM which resembled septic shock. A 30-year-old male with relapsed Hodgkin's lymphoma 25 days status post autologous stem cell transplant presented to our clinic for evaluation of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) hypersensitivity. After review of patient's history and records, we had a low suspicion for a TMP-SMX adverse reaction and conducted an oral challenge to one 160 mg/800 mg tab of TMP-SMX. Four hours later, the patient developed vomiting, lightheadedness, and disorientation with progression to rigors, fever, tachycardia, and hypotension. He was admitted for fluid resuscitation and broad-spectrum antibiotic coverage for neutropenic fever and possible septic shock. A lumbar puncture performed due to complaints of headache, photophobia, and neck pain showed 375 white blood cells/µL with 73% neutrophil predominance, normal glucose (75 mg/dL), and elevated protein (101 mg/dL); additional cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) studies were negative for infectious etiologies. Fever and headache resolved by hospital day 4, at which time patient was discharged home. We believe this case represents TSIAM given the characteristic timing of symptom onset, CSF findings, and timing of symptom resolution without other clear etiology found on extensive infectious evaluation. It is important for allergists to recognize TSIAM, including its potential presentation as shock, in order to appropriately diagnose and counsel patients who seek evaluation for TMP-SMX adverse reactions.

Long-Term Successful Treatment of Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis With Omalizumab.

This case study suggests that omalizumab may help prevent anaphylaxis and reduce disease burden associated with systemic mastocytosis, but further studies and formal clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

ß-Blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors with sublingual immunotherapy: are risks related to individual product safety profile?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The objective of this article is to review the available literature regarding the risks associated with sublingual immunotherapy and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or ß-blocker use. It also evaluates for any differences in these risks among the available sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets. RECENT FINDINGS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles using the following keywords: anaphylaxis, ACE inhibitor, ß-blocker, and sublingual immunotherapy. Minimal data exist regarding their safety of SLIT in patients concomitantly taking ACE inhibitors or ß-blockers. The adverse reaction rates seem similar between SLIT products. SUMMARY: A risk-versus-benefit discussion should be communicated with the patient taking a ß-blocker before beginning SLIT but automatic denial of SLIT to these patients is not warranted.

Anaphylaxis to MMR Vaccine Mediated by IgE Sensitivity to Gelatin.

The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is generally well tolerated, and reports of anaphylaxis to the vaccine are rare. IgE-mediated reactions to vaccines are often caused by additives or residual vaccine components. An inability to obtain proper immunizations can be a disqualifying component to military service. We report a case of anaphylaxis to the MMR vaccine in a new military recruit sensitized to gelatin IgE.

Extremely Delayed Diagnosis of Type II Hereditary Angioedema: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We present a case with extremely late diagnosis of type II hereditary angioedema (HAE). Given recent advances in HAE treatment, we want to bring physician awareness to this condition and aid in earlier detection. HAE is a disorder associated with episodes of angioedema of the face, larynx, lips, abdomen, or extremities. Late diagnosis of HAE can lead to significant morbidity and is severely impairing due to recurring attacks. The diagnosis of HAE is ordinarily made during childhood and adolescence. Delayed diagnoses in early and middle adulthood have been documented in the literature. Gastrointestinal symptoms are common features of HAE and can be misdiagnosed as disease of primary gastrointestinal pathology, such as irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent pancreatitis, or appendicitis. These attacks are characterized by recurrent attacks of subcutaneous and submucosal edema without the presence of urticaria.We present a case of an elderly veteran whose diagnoses was extremely delayed into the eighth decade of life subsequent to unexplained abdominal symptoms. After diagnosis, the patient's symptoms were well controlled with medication due to advances in HAE treatment. To prevent further atypically delayed diagnoses, physicians should consider HAE in patients with recurrent attacks of unexplained abdominal pain.

Long-term omalizumab use in the treatment of exercise-induced anaphylaxis.

Reported is a case of a 39-year-old male who was diagnosed with exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA). He was initially treated prophylactically with fexofenadine, montelukast, and ranitidine. He also used an epinephrine autoinjector as needed. He was refractory to these medications and continued to have episodes of EIA. He was then started on a trial of omalizumab, an immunoglobulin E monoclonal antibody, and had resolution of the EIA episodes. After discontinuation of the omalizumab, the EIA episodes returned. He was restarted on omalizumab and since that time, has had 5 years free of EIA episodes and can now exercise without any symptoms. To our knowledge, this is only the third case in the literature of successful treatment of EIA by using omalizumab. This case was unique because it provided successful long-term use of omalizumab for EIA. Further studies are recommended for the use of omalizumab in the treatment of EIA.

Are ACE Inhibitors and Beta-blockers Dangerous in Patients at Risk for Anaphylaxis?

The objective of this article is to review the available studies regarding angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers and their effect on patients at risk for anaphylaxis. A literature search was conducted in PUBMED to identify peer-reviewed articles using the following keywords: anaphylaxis, ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, food allergy, radiocontrast media, venom allergy, skin testing, and immunotherapy. Some studies show an increased risk of anaphylaxis in patients who are taking ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, whereas others studies do not show an increased risk. For venom immunotherapy, there are more data supporting the concomitant use of beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors in the build-up and maintenance phases. Most of the medical literature is limited to case reports and retrospective data. Prospective controlled trials are needed on this important topic. For those patients at risk of anaphylaxis who lack cardiovascular disease, it is recommended to avoid beta-blockers and possibly ACE inhibitors. However, for those patients with cardiovascular disease, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors have been shown to increase life expectancy. Consideration should be given for the concomitant use of these medications while patients are receiving venom immunotherapy.

Allergic Stomatitis From Orthodontic Adhesives.

We report a case of a type IV hypersensitivity reaction causing oral stomatitis, presumed to be the result of common dental adhesives. The case was diagnosed using patch testing to the dental adhesives that were used in the patient. Both of the adhesives tested contained a form of acrylate that is being seen more frequently in the literature as a cause of type IV hypersensitivity reactions. Metals can cause allergic reactions; however, other contact items need to be considered as a cause of oral allergic reactions. Cases of allergic stomatitis are rising and there is question if all-in-one adhesives may be contributing to this rise.

Comparison of pain during skin-prick testing, immunizations, and phlebotomy.

BACKGROUND: Allergy skin prick testing is a medical procedure that is very useful for assessing a patient's sensitization to specific allergens. Some patients are worried about pain associated with prick skin testing. OBJECTIVE: To compare pain among different age groups, to look at pain during skin prick testing in younger children, and to compare the pain during skin prick testing to procedures including routine immunizations and phlebotomy. METHODS: A survey was provided to patients undergoing allergy skin testing, immunizations or phlebotomy at the Wilford Hall Medical Center. RESULTS: There were 197 patients and 26 parents of patients aged 3-8 years who completed surveys during allergy skin testing. The average anticipated (pre procedure) pain score was 4.3 for the patients aged 3-8 years, 4.6 for the patients aged 9-17 years and 3.2 for the patients older than 17 years. The average actual pain score of the patients during skin testing was 3.1 for the patients aged 3-8 years, 2.2 for the patients aged 9-17 years and 1.4 for the patients older than 17 years. For the parents of patients aged 3-8 years, the average anticipated average pain score was 3.0 and the average actual pain score was 1.7. CONCLUSIONS: The actual pain experienced from skin prick testing is perceived to be much less than the anticipated pain. Patients and referring physicians should not have a fear of pain from allergy skin prick testing.

Dog allergen immunotherapy: past, present, and future.

OBJECTIVE: To review the published medical literature on dog allergy immunotherapy and discuss prior clinical trials, important allergens, extract specifics, and potential future treatment options for dog allergy relevant to the clinical allergist. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE search was performed using the terms dog, immunotherapy, and allergy limited to human studies from any period. Articles cited in selected studies also were reviewed for appropriateness of inclusion into this review. STUDY SELECTIONS: Publications were included that were original research and fit the topic of dog allergen immunotherapy, specifically articles that investigated prior effectiveness and safety of dog allergen immunotherapy, dog extracts, identification of dog allergens, and current prescribing trends among allergists. RESULTS: Two hundred fifteen articles were initially identified and 60 were reviewed in complete detail for inclusion in this review. The primary focus was placed on the 17 clinical trials that investigated the safety and efficacy of dog immunotherapy and the 19 studies that explored and defined the complex allergenic profile of dog extracts. CONCLUSION: The medical literature on the use of dog extract immunotherapy in patients with hypersensitivity to dog shows poor and conflicting results of clinical efficacy, which has been attributed to poor-quality extracts and the inherent complex allergenic profile of dogs that remains without a clearly dominant allergen.

SCUBA Diving and Asthma: Clinical Recommendations and Safety.

The objective of this article is to review the available studies regarding asthma and SCUBA (self-contained underwater breathing apparatus) diving. A literature search was conducted in MEDLINE to identify peer-reviewed articles related to asthma and SCUBA diving using the following keywords: asthma, allergy, and SCUBA diving. SCUBA diving is a popular sport with more than 9 million divers in the USA. SCUBA diving can be a dangerous sport. Bronchospasm can develop in asthmatic patients and cause airway obstruction. Airway obstruction may be localized to the distal airway which prevents gas elimination. Uncontrolled expansion of the distal airway may result in pulmonary barotrauma. There is also the risk of a gas embolism. Asthmatic divers can also aspirate seawater which may induce bronchospasm. Pollen contamination of their oxygen tank may exacerbate atopic asthma in patients. Diving may be hazardous to the lung function of patients with asthma. Despite the risks of SCUBA diving, many asthmatic individuals can dive without serious diving events. Diving evaluations for asthmatic patients have focused on a thorough patient history, spirometry, allergy testing, and bronchial challenges. For patients that wish to dive, their asthma should be well controlled without current chest symptoms. Patients should have a normal spirometry. Some diving societies recommend that an asthmatic patient should successfully pass a bronchial provocation challenge. Recommendations also state that exercise-, emotion-, and cold-induced asthmatics should not dive. Asthmatic patients requiring rescue medication within 48 h should not dive.

Steroid sparing effect of omalizumab in seropositive allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is a common serious hypersensitivity reaction to airway colonization with Aspergillus in patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. While steroids are effective in controlling the respiratory symptoms of ABPA, they have many side effects that make them undesirable for long term use. Antifungals have been used to reduce dependency on systemic steroids but long term use can be limited by side effects and there is the possibility of developing resistance to azoles. Some clinicians have successfully used anti-immunoglobulin E (anti-IgE) therapy in various populations, though it is frequently added to antifungals. OBJECTIVE: Further describe the utility of anti-IgE therapy for ABPA for patients unable to tolerate antifungals. METHODS: We describe the case of a patient with serologic ABPA who did not tolerate therapy with antifungals but was able to significantly reduce her average daily steroid use while receiving anti-IgE therapy with omalizumab added to her other respiratory medications. RESULTS: After therapy with omalizumab, our patient was able to reduce her need for daily corticosteroids by nearly 80%. CONCLUSIONS: Omalizumab may reduce corticosteroid dependence in patients with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis for patients unable to tolerate antifungals, though use may be limited by cost. Additional studies are needed. ClinicalTrial.gov identifier NCT00787917.