Evaluation of treatment and long-term management of anaphylaxis in pediatric departments of Greece: a 2-year nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis proportions of incidence are increasing globally. However, limited data are available regarding anaphylaxis in the pediatric population of Greece. PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to evaluate management of anaphylaxis in Greek pediatric departments. METHODS: We performed a questionnaire-based study of children aged less than 16 years presenting with anaphylaxis in 10 national pediatric hospitals over a period of 2 years. Management of anaphylaxis was assessed prior to and after an informative intervention. RESULTS: In all, 127 cases of anaphylaxis were identified. Epinephrine was administered in almost half of all cases (51.2%), predominantly through intramuscular route (88.5%), while the majority of anaphylaxis patients were treated with antihistamines (92.9%) and corticosteroids (70.1%). Epinephrine was more likely administered by physicians if the elicitor was a drug (P < 0.003). Regarding long-term management, an epinephrine auto-injector was prescribed in 66.9% of patients. Follow-up information was available for most of the patients (92.9%), the majority of whom (76.3%) were referred to an allergist. More than half of these patients (63.6%) had a documented allergy follow-up, which identified a causative allergen in 53.3% of cases. No statistically significant differences were recorded prior to and after the intervention regarding management of anaphylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study highlighted the necessity of further improvement in terms of anaphylaxis treatment and secondary prevention measures. This presupposes appropriate education and training of healthcare professionals, thus contributing to proper and comprehensive care of the pediatric population.

Alpha-gal syndrome: when treatment of hypovolemic shock can lead to anaphylaxis.

Delayed anaphylaxis after ingestion of red meat because of galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) syndrome has increased in recent years. The mechanism involves an immunoglobulin E reaction to alpha-gal, a molecule found in mammalian meat, dairy products, medications and excipients containing mammalian-derived components, and tick salivary glycans. Sensitization occurs due to the bite of a lone star tick and the transmission of alpha-gal molecules into person's bloodstream. We describe a case of alpha-gal syndrome with severe food, drug, and perioperative allergy in which anaphylaxis with hypovolemic shock occurred immediately after an emergency surgical procedure, when a gelatin-containing drug was injected. This case study confirms that the clinical manifestations of alpha-gal syndrome could be different depending on the route of administration, with immediate reactions if an alpha-gal-containing drug is injected and delayed type allergic manifestations occurring several hours after oral intake. The purpose of this report is to highlight the importance of risk communication in case of exposure to medical products and surgical procedures of patients with alpha-gal syndrome and to encourage drug manufacturers to indicate clearly the origin of excipients in product literature.

Tablet allergen immunotherapy: the anaphylaxis issue.

For the first time 15 years ago, tablet allergen immunotherapy (T-AIT) formulations were approved by regulatory agencies for treating allergic rhinitis caused by grass pollen in adults and children aged >5 years. Extensive evidences existed about effectiveness and safety of AIT. However, the safety profile is particularly compelling in children. Generally, T-AIT causes local reactions, mostly in the oral cavity, that are usually mild-to-moderate and often self-resolving. However, systemic allergic reactions are also observed with T-AIT, anaphylaxis representing the most fearsome adverse event, considering that it occurs in subjects treated for allergic rhinitis. Therefore, we conducted a literature search of patients reporting anaphylaxis because of T-AIT. Nine cases of anaphylactic reactions were reported in literature. Notably, no death was reported using T-AIT. This outcome was very important as it underscored the substantial safety of T-AIT. However, T-AIT deserves careful attention, mainly in the pediatric population. In this regard, after the first report of anaphylactic reaction at the first administration of T-AIT, manufacturers recommended that the first dose should be administered in a medical facility in the presence of staff with experience in managing anaphylaxis and the patient should be observed for at least 30 min. Interestingly, reported anaphylactic reactions were due to grass pollen extracts, with no report concerning other allergen extracts. However, it is relevant to note that anaphylactic reactions because of T-AIT are not reported in recent years.

[EPIPEN INSTRUCTIONS FOR ANAPHYLAXIS PATIENTS DURING DISPENSING: FACTORS RELATED TO THE QUALITY OF PHARMACISTS' INSTRUCTIONS].

BACKGROUND AND AIM: We previously reported that pharmacists working in pharmacies don't have enough knowledge and enough experience teaching anaphylaxis (An) and EpiPen use. We administered a questionnaire survey to pharmacists with experience handling EpiPen prescriptions. We investigated the relationship between the questionnaire results and the factors in the pharmacists' background regarding the explanation and guidance to patients. RESULTS: The percentage of pharmacists working in pharmacies who provided guidance using visual information and demonstrations was insufficient. Moreover, this figure decreased after the second guidance session. Objective confirmation of patient understanding was also insufficient. The results indicated that self-examination and participation in drug information sessions were important background factors for pharmacists who provided detailed guidance to patients. DISCUSSION: For appropriate long-term management of their condition, An patients must master the EpiPen technique. Pharmacists' guidance plays a critical role in this regard. A support system should be established for proper instruction of pharmacy patients by improving pharmacists' self-education and other educational opportunities.

Perioperative anaphylactic shock caused by propofol.

Perioperative anaphylaxis is rare and the diagnosis is difficult to distinguish from normal side effects from anaesthesia. Anaesthetists should be able to diagnose anaphylaxis and treat promptly with adrenaline and fluids. Allergy investigation should be performed subsequently. This is a case report of perioperative anaphylaxis to propofol. Propofol contains refined soya oil and egg lecithin, but no connection between allergy to soy, egg or peanut and allergy to propofol has been proven, and international guidelines recommend that propofol can be used in patients with these food allergies.

Successful rapid liposomal amphotericin B desensitization in pediatric case series.

Background: Liposomal amphotericin B (LAMB) is a crucial agent in the treatment of invasive fungal diseases caused by a wide variety of yeasts and molds. In the presence of an infection caused by a fungal agent resistant to alternative antifungal drugs, desensitization may be the only option to continue treatment. However, there is insufficient information and consensus with regard to amphotericin B desensitization protocols in the pediatric age group. Objective: We present our experience with five cases of patients in whom successful desensitization protocols were applied with LAMB, along with a review of the literature on pediatric cases. We also provide a sample desensitization protocol that we successfully applied. Methods: Pediatric patients who continued their treatment with the successful rapid desensitization protocol conducted at the Paediatric Allergy and Immunology Clinic of the Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital between September 2019 and September 2023 were examined. Desensitization protocols were applied based on Castells' desensitization protocol. Results: Five patients ages between 5 and 12 years were referred to us due to the development of anaphylaxis during their treatment with LAMB. Anaphylaxis is diagnosed clinically, according to the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology guidelines: anaphylaxis (2021 update). A 16-step desensitization protocol was prepared by using LAMB solutions at four different dilutions (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/mL). Each solution consisted of four steps, with a 15-minute infusion for each step. The patients were premedicated with 1 mg/kg/dose methylprednisolone and an antihistamine. Conclusion: The data we present on the successful application of a sample protocol to five cases, particularly in a pediatric setting, are noteworthy valuable contributions to the field, which demonstrates the feasibility and success of rapid desensitization with LAMB in pediatric patients. This can provide important insights and potentially serve as a reference for medical professionals working with similar cases in the future.

Assessment of potential adverse events following the 2022-2023 seasonal influenza vaccines among U.S. adults aged 65 years and older.

BACKGROUND: While safety of influenza vaccines is well-established, some studies have suggested potential associations between influenza vaccines and certain adverse events (AEs). This study examined the safety of the 2022-2023 influenza vaccines among U.S. adults ≥ 65 years. METHODS: A self-controlled case series compared incidence rates of anaphylaxis, encephalitis/encephalomyelitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), and transverse myelitis following 2022-2023 seasonal influenza vaccinations (i.e., any, high-dose or adjuvanted) in risk and control intervals among Medicare beneficiaries ≥ 65 years. We used conditional Poisson regression to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for event-dependent observation time and seasonality. Analyses also accounted for uncertainty from outcome misclassification where feasible. For AEs with any statistically significant associations, we stratified results by concomitant vaccination status. RESULTS: Among 12.7 million vaccine recipients, we observed 76 anaphylaxis, 276 encephalitis/encephalomyelitis, 134 GBS and 75 transverse myelitis cases. Only rates of anaphylaxis were elevated in risk compared to control intervals. With all adjustments, an elevated, but non-statistically significant, anaphylaxis rate was observed following any (IRR: 2.40, 95% CI: 0.96-6.03), high-dose (IRR: 2.31, 95% CI: 0.67-7.91), and adjuvanted (IRR: 3.28, 95% CI: 0.71-15.08) influenza vaccination; anaphylaxis IRRs were 2.54 (95% CI: 0.49-13.05) and 1.64 (95% CI: 0.38-7.05) for persons with and without concomitant vaccination, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of encephalitis/encephalomyelitis, GBS, or transverse myelitis were not elevated following 2022-2023 seasonal influenza vaccinations among U.S. adults ≥ 65 years. There was an increased rate of anaphylaxis following influenza vaccination that may have been influenced by concomitant vaccination.

Venom Hypersensitivity.

Stinging insects are a frequent cause of local and systemic hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. For those with a history of life-threatening anaphylaxis, venom immunotherapy is effective, safe, and can be life-saving. Arachnids are a much less common source of envenomation through bites or stings and are less likely to cause a hypersensitivity reaction. However, recognizing the clinical manifestations when they do present is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment, and, when indicated, consideration of other diagnoses.

[Influence of lactoferrin and enzymatiс hydrolysates of cow's and mare's milk proteins on anaphylactic sensitivity and cytokine profile of rats].

The development of innovative ingredients of specialized formula for children with intolerance to cow's milk proteins requires accounting the influence of the protein component on the allergic sensitivity. The aim of the research was to study the effect of lactoferrin (LF) from cow colostrum, cow's milk protein hydrolysate (CMPH) and mare's milk protein hydrolysate (MMPH) on the severity of the systemic anaphylaxis reaction, the levels of specific IgG antibodies and cytokines in rats parenterally sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA). Material and methods. The experiment was carried out on 4 groups of 26 male Wistar rats, which were sensitized intraperitoneally with chicken egg OVA and a systemic anaphylaxis reaction was induced on the day 29 by intravenous administration of a challenge dose of the antigen (6 mg per kg body weight). LF, CMPH and MMPH were introduced into the diet in doses of 1.4-2 g/kg body weight per day (on an average 1.59±0.04, 1.53±0.05 and 1.48±0.05 g per kg body weight respectively). The content of IgG antibodies in the blood serum was determined by an indirect ELISA; the levels of cytokines IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, GM-CSF, IFN-γ and TNF-α were detected by multiplex immunoassay. Results. Dietary LF did not have a significant effect on the severity of active anaphylactic shock (AAS), concentrations of antibodies and cytokines in the blood of animals. As a result of CMPH consumption, there were no significant changes in AAS severity and IgG antibodies to OVA but significant increase in TNF-α level was observed as well as a significant decrease in IL-1α (p<0.05). In animals receiving MMPH, there were also no significant changes in the severity of AAS, but a 1.9-fold decrease in the level of IgG antibodies to OVA (p<0.001) was noticed along with a significant increase in IL-12(p70) (p<0.05) and IL-10 (p<0.10) level. Conclusion. Cosumption of LF by sensitized rats didn't significantly affect their anaphylactic sensitivity and cytokine profile, while CMPH intake induced some signs of pro-inflammatory processes. Consumption of MMPH was accompanied by the formation of an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile, which corresponds to a decrease in the intensity of the humoral immune response to the model allergen. Differences in the effects of two hydrolisates, which have similar degrees of hydrolysis, may be associated with the specific composition of glycopeptides formed during the enzymatic cleavage of milk protein produced by these two species of dairy animals.

[Impact of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae biomass on the immune status of rats].

The improvement of the novel foods' safety assessment algorithms is currently one of the food hygiene significant areas. Within the studying of Hermetia illucens insects' effect, the standard in vivo allergological research integrated in the protocol of medical and biological evaluation of genetically modified food has been used. The protocol was supplemented with cytokine profile indicators and pathomorphologic characteristics of immunocompetent organs' lymphoid tissue. The purpose of the research was to study the effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae biomass on the rats' immune status in the experiment on the induced anaphylactic shock model. Material and methods. The effect of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae biomass was studied in a 29-day experiment on growing (43-72 days of life) male Wistar rats fed with Hermetia illucens biomass - main group (n=29) and semi-synthetic casein diet - control group (n=29). The complex assessment of allergenic potential of Hermetia illucens biomass was carried out in the experiment on the induced anaphylactic shock model in Wistar rats. An expanded pool of immune status indicators was studied including active anaphylactic shock severity (lethality, number of severe anaphylaxis reactions, anaphylactic index); cytokine profile (content of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as regulators of cellular and humoral immune response); IgG1 and IgG4 level before and after administration of ovalbumin permissive dose (4 mg/kg b.w.). In addition to this pathomorphologic characteristics of lymphoid tissue of the main immunocompetent organs (thymus, spleen, Payer's patches) have been obtained. Results. The significant systemic anaphylaxis reaction decrease in the main group has been shown. Comparative assessment of the serum cytokines (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-13, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, TNF-α) as well as the level of immunoglobulins of the IgG1, IgG4 class before and after administration of ovalbumin permissive dose did not reveal significant differences in rats of the control and main groups. In the main group, there was a decrease in blood serum proallergic cytokines: the level of IL-4 reduced by 1.3 fold, IL-10 - 1.1 and IL-13 - 1.2 fold (p>0.05), and in animals with mild anaphylactic reaction - by 1.8, 1.4 and 1.4 times, respectively (p>0.05). The morphologic studies of the immune system organs showed no intergroup differences. Conclusion. Thus, allergological studies of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae in the experiment with the use of systemic anaphylaxis rat model and determination of immune status indicators (anaphylactic shock severity, cytokine profile, IgG1 and IgG4 level, morphologic structure of immunocompetent organs) did not reveal any allergenic effect of the studied product.

[Retrospective analysis of perioperative anaphylactic shock induced by cefuroxime].

This study investigated the characteristics and frequency of perioperative anaphylactic shock induced by cefuroxime, so as to provide a reference for the safe and rational use of cefuroxime in the perioperative period. Cases of perioperative anaphylactic shock caused by cefuroxime in our hospital from 2011 to 2021 were extracted from the Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring System. Literature reporting adverse drug reactions (ADR) including cefuroxime-induced anaphylactic shock in perioperative settings was collected from the CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, and Web of Science databases from their respective inception to May 2022. Statistical analysis was performed for all cases of cefuroxime-induced perioperative anaphylactic shock. A total of 31 patients were included [13 men (48.1%) and 14 women (51.9%)], most of whom were over 60 years old (n=16, 59.3%); 9 (29.0%) patients had a history of drug allergy; 5 (16.1%) patients had received skin tests, but with negative results; 28 (90.3%) patients received treatment intravenously; 22 (71.0%) patients were treated after anesthesia. For 20 (64.5%) patients the ADR occurred within 10 minutes after anesthesia. The main manifestations were hypotension, dyspnea, rash, and tachycardia. For all patients, symptoms resolved after withdrawal of the drug and active rescue, and there were no deaths. A history of allergy and skin test findings may have limitations in predicting perioperative anaphylactic shock caused by cefuroxime; greater vigilance should be exercised when using cefuroxime in the perioperative period. Close monitoring is recommended for patients undergoing treatment with cefuroxime. Rescue therapy should be administered for allergic shock, and suitable response measures must be taken in a timely manner to ensure the safety of patients.

A retrospective audit of adult and paediatric anaphylaxis management from two Australian metropolitan mixed emergency departments.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction, with presentations to emergency departments (EDs) increasing across Australia. Understanding the features of those presenting with anaphylaxis and aspects related to its optimal clinical management across the admission, treatment and discharge settings is needed to minimise its impact. We aimed to evaluate the nature and management of presentations related to anaphylaxis across two Australian EDs. METHODS: Retrospective audit of paediatric and adult patients presenting to a community or tertiary level ED with anaphylaxis from 1 May 2018 to 30 April 2019. Data extracted from medical records included demographic characteristics, causative agents, clinical features, treatments administered across community, ambulance or ED settings, as well as post-discharge care arrangements including provision of Adrenaline Auto-Injector (AAI) and Allergy/Anaphylaxis Action Plan (AAP). RESULTS: A total of 369 (107 paediatric and 262 adult) ED presentations were identified. A total of 94 (36%) adult and 46 (43%) paediatric patients received pre-hospital adrenaline, with a further 91 (35%) adult and 29 (27%) paediatric patients receiving a dose of adrenaline in the ED. The most commonly administered treatment in ED were corticosteroids, given to 157 (60%) adult and 55 (51%) paediatric patients. Among those requiring an AAI for discharge, 123/210 (59%) adult and 57/91 (63%) of paediatric patients left hospital with an AAI. In contrast, among those requiring an allergy/anaphylaxis action plan (AAP) on discharge, 61/206 (30%) adult and 30/90 (33%) of paediatric patients left hospital with one. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of receiving AAI on discharge in paediatric and adult patients included receipt of any adrenaline, receipt of two or more doses of adrenaline, and longer duration of hospital stay. Adults presenting within business hours were more likely to be discharged with AAI, but no such difference was observed for paediatric patients. Similar findings were evident for provision of AAP on discharge. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the need to improve assessment and treatment in the ED. In particular, the observed large variability in provision of AAI and AAP on discharge presents opportunities to explore strategies to improve awareness and provision of these critical components of post-discharge care.

Knowledge mapping and global trends of drug hypersensitivity from 2013 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis.

BACKGROUND: Drug hypersensitivity is a major global public health issue with a significant increase in prevalence in populations. Here, we provide a deep insight into the frontier hotspot and future direction in the field of drug hypersensitivity. METHODS: A knowledge map is portrayed based on publications related to drug hypersensitivity from Web of Science Core Collection using CiteSpace. Co-occurrence relationships of countries, institutes, authors, journals, references, and keywords are constructed. According to the co-occurrence relationships, hotspots and future trends are overviewed. RESULTS: The United States ranked first in the world and China with the second highest publications was the only developing country. Torres, Mayorga, and Blanca were highly productive authors. Harvard University was the institution with the most research publications. Keywords co-occurrence analysis suggested applications in emerging causes, potential mechanisms, and clinical diagnosis as the research hotspots and development frontiers. CONCLUSION: Research on drug hypersensitivity is in a rapid development stage and an emerging trend in reports of anaphylaxis to polyethylene glycols is identified. Developing algorithms for understanding the standardization process of culprit drugs, clinical manifestations, and diagnostic methods will be the focus of future direction. In addition, a better understanding of the mechanisms to culprit drugs with immunological precise phenotypic definitions and high-throughput platforms is needed.

Safety of Direct Drug Provocation for the Evaluation of Penicillin Allergy in Low-Risk Adults.

BACKGROUND: About 10% of patients have a penicillin allergy label, but less than 5% of them are actually allergic. Unnecessary penicillin avoidance is associated with serious medical consequences. Given the growing number of these labels, it is imperative that our diagnostic strategy for penicillin allergy be as efficient as possible. The validity of traditionally used skin tests (STs) has been questioned, whereas drug provocation testing (DPT), the criterion standard, without previous ST appears very safe in most cases. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of direct DPT without consideration for ST results and the validity of ST in the diagnosis of penicillin allergy. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study without a control group, we recruited patients consulting an allergist for penicillin allergy. Patients underwent ST followed by DPT regardless of ST results. Patients with anaphylaxis to penicillin within the past 5 years or a severe delayed reaction were excluded, as were those with significant cardiorespiratory comorbidity. RESULTS: None of the 1002 recruited patients had a serious reaction to DPT. Ten (1.0%) had a mild immediate reaction, of whom only 1 (0.1%) was considered likely IgE-mediated. The positive and negative predictive values of ST for an immediate reaction were 3.6% and 99.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In a low-risk adult population reporting penicillin allergy, ST has very poor positive predictive value. Direct DPT without ST is safe and appears to be an ideal diagnostic strategy to remove penicillin allergy labels that could be implemented in first-line practice.

Detecting epinephrine auto-injector shortages in Finland 2016-2022: Log-data analysis of online information seeking.

INTRODUCTION: Medicine shortages prevail as a worldwide problem causing life-threatening situations for adults and children. Epinephrine auto-injectors are used for serious allergic reactions called anaphylaxis, and alternative auto-injectors are not always available in pharmacies. Healthcare professionals in Finland use the dedicated internet source, Physician's Database (PD), when seeking medical information in practice, while Health Library (HL) provides health information for citizens (S1 Data). The objectives were to assess whether (1) professionals' searches for epinephrine auto-injectors and (2) citizens' anaphylaxis article openings relate to epinephrine shortages in Finland. METHODS: Monthly log data on epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen®, Jext®, Emerade®) from PD and on openings of anaphylaxis articles from HL were collected during 2016-2022. Professionals' searches of seven auto-injectors and citizens' openings of four anaphylaxis articles were compared to information on epinephrine shortages reported by Finnish Medicines Agency. Professionals' auto-injector prescriptions provided by Social Insurance Institution were also assessed. RESULTS: Total searches in EpiPen® (N = 111,740), Jext® (N = 25,631), and Emerade® (N = 18,329) could be analyzed during 2016-2022. EpiPen® only could visually show seasonal patterns during summertime, peaking vigorously in the summer of 2018 when the major EpiPen® shortage appeared worldwide. Anaphylaxis articles equaled 2,030,855 openings altogether. Openings of one anaphylaxis article ("Bites and Stings") peaked during summertime, while another article ("Anaphylactic Reaction") peaked only once (three-fold increase) at the end of 2020 when COVID-19 vaccinations started, and auto-injector prescriptions were lowest. Fifty EpiPen®, one Jext®, and twelve Emerade® shortages were reported. Almost a two-fold increase in peaks of auto-injector prescriptions was found during summertime. CONCLUSION: This study shows that (1) epinephrine shortages related to professionals' searching for auto-injectors, and (2) citizens' information seeking on anaphylaxis related to summertime and shortages with lesser prescriptions. Therefore, the dedicated internet databases aimed at professionals and citizens could be used as additional information sources to detect anaphylactic reactions and auto-injector shortages.

Protective role of protease-activated receptor-2 in anaphylaxis model mice.

Anaphylaxis is a severe life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction induced by mast cell degranulation. Among the various mediators of mast cells, little is known about the role of tryptase. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the role of protease-activating receptor-2 (PAR-2), a receptor activated by tryptase, in murine anaphylactic models using PAR-2-deficient mice and newly generated tryptase-deficient mice. Anaphylaxis was induced by IgE-dependent and IgE-independent mast cell degranulation in mice. PAR-2 deficiency exacerbated the decrease in body temperature and hypotension during anaphylaxis; however, the number of skin mast cells, degree of mast cell degranulation, and systemic and local vascular hyperpermeability were comparable in PAR-2 knockout and wild-type mice. Nitric oxide, which is produced by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), is an indispensable vasodilator in anaphylaxis. In the lungs of anaphylactic mice, PAR-2 deficiency promoted eNOS expression and phosphorylation, suggesting a protective effect of PAR-2 against anaphylaxis by downregulating eNOS activation and expression. Based on the hypothesis that the ligand for PAR-2 in anaphylaxis is mast cell tryptase, tryptase-deficient mice were generated using CRISPR-Cas9. In wild-type mice, the PAR-2 antagonist exacerbated the body temperature drop due to anaphylaxis; however, the effect of the PAR-2 antagonist was abolished in tryptase-deficient mice. These results suggest that tryptase is a possible ligand of PAR-2 in anaphylaxis and that the tryptase/PAR-2 pathway attenuates the anaphylactic response in mice.

[Anaphylaxis due to legumes: case report]. / Anafilaxia por leguminosas: reporte de un caso.

BACKGROUND: Legumes belonging to the family Fabaceae of the order Fabales are a widely consumed source of protein. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions to legumes have been described, the most studied allergens being peanuts and soybeans. In the Mediterranean region and India, lentils, chickpeas and peas have been considered important allergens and legumes have been reported to represent the fifth most common cause of food allergy in children under 5 years of age in Spain. In Latin America, there are few reports of allergy to legumes other than peanuts, and these are especially in the paediatric population. OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of IgE-mediated legume allergy in an adult female patient. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 65-year-old female patient who reports a 20-year history of generalized urticaria, accompanied by angioedema and dyspnea occurring immediately after consumption of lentils, beans, chickpeas, soya beans and cold meats, requiring admission to the emergency department for this cause. Tolerates peanuts. She does not report anaphylaxis in any context other than those described. He has presented generalized pruritus with exposure to fumes from cooking beans. Pathological history: Hypertension, type II diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism. Allergic: Anaphylaxis due to penicillin at the age of 30. Other history: extensive local reaction to hymenoptera sting. Prick test trophoallergens: soya 3 mm. Prick to prick protein based on commercial soybean 7mm, chickpea 5mm, lentil 6mm and bean 7mm. He was negative for wheat and peanut (Image 1) (Attached in separate file). It has a normal tryptase report. Indication was given for adequate adrenaline and strict avoidance of legumes, except peanuts. CONCLUSIONS: Legume allergy is little known in our environment and mainly affects children. Clinical manifestations include mild reactions and anaphylaxis. A high degree of cross-reactivity among legumes has been reported. Lentils have cross-reactivity with chickpeas and beans. Peanut allergy may also be associated with allergy to lentils, chickpeas, and peas, but is less frequently reported.

ANTECEDENTES: Las leguminosas pertenecientes a la familia Fabaceae del orden Fabales, son una fuente de proteína de amplio consumo. Se han descrito reacciones de hipersensibilidad mediadas por IgE a las leguminosas, siendo los alérgenos más estudiados el maní y la soya. En la región mediterránea y en India, las lentejas, garbanzos y arvejas se han considerado alérgenos importantes, y se ha informado que las leguminosas representan la quinta causa más común de alergia alimentaria en niños menores de cinco años en España. En América Latina, hay pocos reportes de alergia a las leguminosas diferentes al maní, y éstos son, especialmente, en población pediátrica. OBJETIVO: Describir el caso de alergia mediada por IgE a leguminosas, en una paciente adulta. REPORTE DE CASO: Se describe el caso de una paciente de 65 años, quien reporta un cuadro de 20 años con evolución consistente de urticaria generalizada, acompañada de angioedema y disnea, que ocurre, en forma inmediata, tras el consumo lentejas, fríjoles, garbanzos, soya y carnes frías; y requiere de ingresos al servicio de urgencias por esta causa. Tolera maní. No se reporta anafilaxia en otro contexto diferente a los descritos. Ha presentado prurito generalizado con la exposición a vapores de la cocción de fríjoles. Antecedentes patológicos: hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus tipo II, hipotiroidismo. Alérgicos: Anafilaxia por Penicilina a los 30 años. Otros antecedentes: Reacción local extensa con picadura de himenópteros. Prick test trofoalérgenos: soya 3 mm. Prick to prick proteína a base de soya comercial 7mm, garbanzo 5mm, lenteja 6mm y fríjol 7mm. Fue negativa para trigo y maní (Imagen 1). (Adjunta en archivo separado). Tiene reporte de triptasa normal. Se dio indicación de porte adecuado de adrenalina y evitación estricta de leguminosas, excepto maní. CONCLUSIONES: La alergia a las leguminosas es poco conocida en nuestro medio, y afecta principalmente a los niños. Sus manifestaciones clínicas incluyen reacciones leves y anafilaxia. Se ha informado, un alto grado de reactividad cruzada entre las leguminosas. Las lentejas tienen reactividad cruzada con garbanzos y fríjoles. La alergia al maní también puede estar asociada con la alergia a lentejas, garbanzos y guisantes, pero se informa con menos frecuencia.

[Clinical case of anaphylaxis due to eye drops]. / Caso clínico de anafilaxia por gotas oftálmicas.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic allergic reaction that can be life-threatening, timely diagnosis and treatment is required in these patients, one of the most frequent triggers is pharmacological. OBJECTIVE: To report the case of a patient who presented anaphylaxis due to eye drops. CASE REPORT: A 7-year-old male with a history of rhinitis and asthma with good control. It started with itchy eyes, ophthalmic drops were administered, composition: Polyethylene glycol 400, 0.4%, Propylene glycol 3 mg, polyquad 0.001%, presenting at 15 minutes an episode of anaphylaxis initially characterized by pruritus and intense conjunctival erythema, later nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness, urticaria/facial angioedema and dyspnea were added, this episode was controlled opportunely with Levocetirizine 5 mg sublingual and Betametasona 4 mg intramuscular, progressively improving over the next 2 hours. The patient was evaluated by the Allergist, written recommendations were given to the mother in case this reaction occurred again, the use of the drops was prohibited, and the performance of skin test and a probable conjunctival provocation protocolized with the ophthalmic drops were pending. Accidentally 2 months later the patient was re-exposed with the same eye drops, presenting a similar reaction 15 minutes after the administration of the medication, they went to the emergency room where he received antihistamine and corticosteroid intravenous treatment, after this re-exposure is confirmed to the ophthalmic drops mentioned above as a trigger of anaphylaxis in this patient. CONCLUSIONS: We present a case of conjunctival anaphylaxis after application of eye drops, confirmed by re-exposure to the drug. It is essential to give diagnoses, recommendations with treatments and avoidance of the probable triggering agent of the reaction. The administration of immediate medication when the allergic episode begins in these patients can be vital, even more so when they live far from a health center, as was the case in this patient.

ANTECEDENTES: La anafilaxia es una reacción alérgica sistémica severa que puede llegar a comprometer la vida. Se requiere de un diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno en estos pacientes, uno de los desencadenantes más frecuente es el farmacológico. OBJETIVO: Reportar el caso de un paciente que presentó anafilaxia a gotas oftálmicas. REPORTE DE CASO: Varón de siete años de edad con antecedentes de rinitis y asma con buen control. Inició con picor ocular, se le administraron gotas oftálmicas, composición: Polietilenglicol 400, 0,4%, Propilenglicol 3 mg, polyquad 0,001%, y a los 15 minutos presentó un episodio de anafilaxia caracterizado, inicialmente, por prurito y eritema conjuntival intenso; posteriormente, presentó náuseas, vómito, sudoración, debilidad, urticaria/angioedema facial y disnea. Este episodio fue controlado en el momento, con tratamiento de Levoceterizina 5 mg s.l. y Betametasona 4 mg i.m., con mejoría progresiva en las siguientes dos horas. El paciente fue evaluado por la especialidad de alergología. A su madre se dieron recomendaciones por escrito, por si se presentaba nuevamente la reacción. Se prohibió la utilización de las gotas, y quedó pendiente la realización de las pruebas cutáneas y una probable provocación conjuntival protocolizada con las gotas oftálmicas. Accidentalmente, dos meses después se reexpuso al paciente con las mismas gotas oftálmicas, y a los 15 minutos de la administración del medicamento, presentó una reacción similar, por lo que acudieron a emergencias donde recibió tratamiento antihistamínico y corticoides vía i.m.; tras esta reexposición, se confirma a las gotas oftálmicas mencionadas anteriomente, como desencadenantes de anafilaxia en el paciente. CONCLUSIONES: Presentamos un caso sobre anafilaxia por vía conjuntival tras aplicación de gotas oftálmicas, confirmado por la reexposición al fármaco. Es esencial dar diagnósticos, recomendaciones con tratamientos y evitar el probable agente desencadenante de la reacción. La administración de medicación inmediata cuando inicia el episodio alérgico en estos pacientes, puede ser vital, más aún cuando viven lejos de un centro de salud, como era el caso referenciado.