IgE-Mediated Reaction to Levamisole: Evaluation of a Patient With Severe Anaphylaxis.

Levamisole has been used as adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy for certain conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We present a case of a 70-year-old man with ALS who was started on levamisole with adequate response. Within 10 days of treatment, he developed a maculopapular non-pruritic rash on his extremities, and the medication was discontinued. However, two days later, he developed angioedema of the face and hands, urticaria in the extremities and torso, and throat closing sensation that was successfully treated in the emergency department with epinephrine, systemic corticosteroids, and antihistamines. Eight hours later, he presented with recurrent facial angioedema. He was transferred to the ICU and received two more doses of epinephrine and intravenous methylprednisolone. The patient fully recovered within 72 hours and was discharged with the indication to avoid levamisole. One month after the reaction, skin tests (prick and intradermal) with 10-fold dilutions of 550 mg/mL levamisole were positive at a concentration of 55 mg/mL (1:10 dilution). Since the patient developed anaphylaxis and tested positive for levamisole on intradermal testing, and after discussing the options with him, we decided to advise against using this medication since the benefits did not outweigh the risks of administration. This case highlights that IgE-mediated reactions to levamisole, while rare, can occur and be life-threatening. Shared decision-making should be done between patients and physicians after open, evidence-based discussions.

Allergen Immunotherapy and Atopic Dermatitis: the Good, the Bad, and the Unknown.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In light of the recent advancements in atopic dermatitis treatment, this review aims to summarize the utility and efficacy of allergy immunotherapy in atopic dermatitis patients. We examine its mechanism, pathophysiology, cost-efficacy, and current guidelines for clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: The literature supports the use of allergy immunotherapy in atopic conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma but insufficient evidence exists to suggest its efficacy in atopic dermatitis. The use of allergy immunotherapy has been shown to provide long-term cost savings in both the USA and the European Union in certain populations but differences in prescribing patterns and manufacturing make it difficult to study its impact on a larger, generalizable scale. Conflicting meta-analyses data and conclusions highlight the need for better, higher quality research to better understand allergy immunotherapy utility in atopic dermatitis.

Emergency department treatment of adults with acute asthma exacerbations: effect on exhaled nitric oxide levels.

Measurement of exhaled nitric oxide levels (eNO) from asthmatic patients is a noninvasive marker of airway inflammation in both adults and children and has been used as an outpatient measure of asthma control. We examined eNO in acute asthma exacerbations and how it is affected by treatment in the emergency department (ED) setting. Both eNO and peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate were measured at arrival and before discharge for adult asthmatic subjects (n = 28) treated for acute exacerbations in the ED at Kings County Hospital Center during spring and fall pollen seasons. Total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE), peripheral blood leukocyte numbers, and tobacco smoking history were determined. Routine ED treatment included oral prednisone at 60 mg and inhalation of nebulized albuterol and ipratropium. Both PEF (p = 0.0005) and eNO (p < 0.0001) increased after treatment of subjects. Initial eNO was associated with age (p = 0.0004), absolute eosinophil count (p = 0.003), Asthma Control Test (p = 0.004), and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (p = 0.04). Change in pre- versus posttreatment eNO (ΔeNO) was associated with change in PEF (ΔPEF; p < 0.0001). Initial PEF was associated with oxygen saturation (p < 0.0001). ΔPEF was associated with serum IgE levels. ED visit duration was associated with initial PEF (p = 0.0004), ΔeNO (p = 0.004), and number of albuterol treatments (p = 0.001). These associations remained significant in multivariate models that controlled for demographic factors, asthma control, smoking, and measures of inflammation and ventilation. eNO levels increase after ED treatment of acute asthma exacerbations in adults. Improved ventilation may allow for more accurate measurement of NO produced in inflamed airways.