[COVID-19 in adults with antibody deficiencies]. / COVID-19 en adultos con inmunodeficiencias humorales.

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. Its clinical course is variable, as well as the mortality rate, which is higher among people over 65 years of age and persons with underlying conditions. Immunodeficiencies are potential risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19. Furthermore, patients with immunodeficiencies often undergo non-infectious complications, which could bear additional risk. So far, few reports of patients with COVID-19 and humoral immunodeficiencies have been published. Considering the importance of the study of this new viral disease and its potential health impact on patients with immunodeficiency disorders, we present six cases of COVID-19 in patients with impaired humoral immunity. Three were women and three were men. The average age was 48.5 years (range 20-67). Four had been diagnosed with primary antibody deficiency: three had common variable immunodeficiency and one had X-linked agammaglobulinemia. The other two patients had secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, one was associated with thymoma (Good's syndrome), and the other was associated with rituximab treatment. The evolution was favorable in all except the patient with Good's syndrome, who presented a marked decline in clinical status before contracting COVID-19.

La enfermedad COVID-19, causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, surgió a fines de 2019 en Wuhan, China. La evolución clínica es variable, así como la tasa de mortalidad, que es mayor en pacientes mayores de 65 años y en quienes padecen enfermedades subyacentes. Las inmunodeficiencias son potenciales factores de riesgo para formas graves de COVID-19. Los pacientes con inmunodeficiencias tienen además mayor frecuencia de complicaciones no infecciosas, que podrían representar un riesgo adicional. Hasta el momento existen escasas publicaciones sobre asociación COVID-19 e inmunodeficiencias humorales. Considerando la importancia del estudio de esta nueva enfermedad viral y de su potencial repercusión en la salud de los pacientes con inmunodeficiencias presentamos seis casos de COVID-19 en adultos con déficit de anticuerpos (tres mujeres y tres varones, edad promedio 48.5 años, rango 20-67). Cuatro tenían inmunodeficiencias primarias: inmunodeficiencia común variable (n: 3) y agammaglobulinemia ligada al cromosoma X (n: 1). Los otro dos tenían hipogammaglobulinemia secundaria, en un caso asociada a timoma (síndrome de Good), y en el otro a tratamiento con rituximab. La evolución fue favorable en todos menos en el paciente con síndrome de Good, quien presentaba un marcado deterioro del estado general antes de contraer COVID-19.

COVID-19 en adultos con inmunodeficiencias humorales / COVID-19 in adults with antibody deficiencies

Resumen La enfermedad COVID-19, causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, surgió a fines de 2019 en Wuhan, China. La evolución clínica es variable, así como la tasa de mortalidad, que es mayor en pacientes mayores de 65 años y en quienes padecen enfermedades subyacentes. Las inmunodeficiencias son potenciales factores de riesgo para formas graves de COVID-19. Los pacientes con inmunodeficiencias tienen además mayor frecuencia de complicaciones no infecciosas, que podrían representar un riesgo adicional. Hasta el momento existen escasas publicaciones sobre asociación COVID-19 e inmunodeficiencias humorales. Considerando la importancia del estudio de esta nueva enfermedad viral y de su potencial repercusión en la salud de los pacien tes con inmunodeficiencias presentamos seis casos de COVID-19 en adultos con déficit de anticuerpos (tres mujeres y tres varones, edad promedio 48.5 años, rango 20-67). Cuatro tenían inmunodeficiencias primarias: inmunodeficiencia común variable (n: 3) y agammaglobulinemia ligada al cromosoma X (n: 1). Los otro dos tenían hipogammaglobulinemia secundaria, en un caso asociada a timoma (síndrome de Good), y en el otro a tratamiento con rituximab. La evolución fue favorable en todos menos en el paciente con síndrome de Good, quien presentaba un marcado deterioro del estado general antes de contraer COVID-19.

Abstract COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in late 2019 in Wuhan, China. Its clinical course is variable, as well as the mortality rate, which is higher among people over 65 years of age and persons with underlying conditions. Immunodeficiencies are po tential risk factors for severe forms of COVID-19. Furthermore, patients with immunodeficiencies often undergo non-infectious complications, which could bear additional risk. So far, few reports of patients with COVID-19 and humoral immunodeficiencies have been published. Considering the importance of the study of this new viral disease and its potential health impact on patients with immunodeficiency disorders, we present six cases of COVID-19 in patients with impaired humoral immunity. Three were women and three were men. The average age was 48.5 years (range 20-67). Four had been diagnosed with primary antibody deficiency: three had common variable immunodeficiency and one had X-linked agammaglobulinemia. The other two patients had secondary hypogammaglobulinemia, one was associated with thymoma (Good's syndrome), and the other was associated with rituximab treatment. The evolution was favorable in all except the patient with Good's syndrome, who pre sented a marked decline in clinical status before contracting COVID-19.

[Recalcitrant cicatrizing conjunctivitis. Treatment of nine patients with rituximab]. / Conjuntivitis cicatrizal recalcitrante. Tratamiento de nueve pacientes con rituximab.

Cicatrizing conjunctivitis is the final consequence of several diseases. The most severe among them are cicatricial pemphigoid and chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Systemic immunosuppressive drugs and steroids are usually an effective approach to these diseases. However, a few patients follow a recalcitrant course unremitting to usual therapy. We describe the treatment with rituximab of seven patients with cicatricial pemphigoid and two with chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Eight of them also received gammaglobulin and all achieved clinical remission. Three relapsed and required two or three new courses of rituximab with good control of disease activity. Rituximab proved to be an efficacious drug for chronic recalcitrant cicatrizing conjunctivitis.

La conjuntivitis cicatrizal es la consecuencia de distintas enfermedades oculares. Entre ellas, las más graves son el penfigoide cicatrizal y el síndrome de Stevens-Johnson crónico. El tratamiento de estas enfermedades con corticoides e inmunosupresores es habitualmente exitoso, pero unos pocos pacientes siguen un curso recalcitrante. En los últimos años se introdujo el uso de rituximab, asociado o no a gammaglobulina endovenosa, en forma abierta, para el control de la inflamación conjuntival. Describimos aquí el tratamiento de siete pacientes con penfigoide y dos con Stevens-Johnson recalcitrante, con rituximab. Ocho recibieron también gammaglobulina y todos alcanzaron la remisión de la actividad. Tres recayeron y recibieron dos o tres nuevos cursos de la medicación con mejoría sintomática. El rituximab probó ser una droga efectiva para el tratamiento de la conjuntivitis cicatrizal crónica recalcitrante.

Conjuntivitis cicatrizal recalcitrante: Tratamiento de nueve pacientes con rituximab / Recalcitrant cicatrizing conjunctivitis. Treatment of nine patients with rituximab

La conjuntivitis cicatrizal es la consecuencia de distintas enfermedades oculares. Entre ellas, las más graves son el penfigoide cicatrizal y el síndrome de Stevens-Johnson crónico. El tratamiento de estas enfermedades con corticoides e inmunosupresores es habitualmente exitoso, pero unos pocos pacientes siguen un curso recalcitrante. En los últimos años se introdujo el uso de rituximab, asociado o no a gammaglobulina endovenosa, en forma abierta, para el control de la inflamación conjuntival. Describimos aquí el tratamiento de siete pacientes con penfigoide y dos con Stevens-Johnson recalcitrante, con rituximab. Ocho recibieron también gammaglobulina y todos alcanzaron la remisión de la actividad. Tres recayeron y recibieron dos o tres nuevos cursos de la medicación con mejoría sintomática. El rituximab probó ser una droga efectiva para el tratamiento de la conjuntivitis cicatrizal crónica recalcitrante.

Cicatrizing conjunctivitis is the final consequence of several diseases. The most severe among them are cicatricial pemphigoid and chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Systemic immunosuppressive drugs and steroids are usually an effective approach to these diseases. However, a few patients follow a recalcitrant course unremitting to usual therapy. We describe the treatment with rituximab of seven patients with cicatricial pemphigoid and two with chronic Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Eight of them also received gammaglobulin and all achieved clinical remission. Three relapsed and required two or three new courses of rituximab with good control of disease activity. Rituximab proved to be an efficacious drug for chronic recalcitrant cicatrizing conjunctivitis.

[Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions during surgery and medical procedures]. / Anafilaxias y reacciones alérgicas durante cirugías y procedimientos médicos.

Anaphylaxis during anesthesia is an unpredictable, severe, and rare reaction. It has an incidence of 1/10 000 to 1/20 000 surgeries. In most series, the responsible drugs include neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, or antibiotics. The frequency and etiology of systemic allergic reactions in other medical procedures are largely unknown. The identification of responsible drugs of anaphylaxis is a complex task, requiring testing of all medications and substances used during surgery. We describe our experience in a retrospective study of 15 patients. Ten subjects developed anaphylaxis during surgery, two in endoscopic studies and one in a trans-vaginal ultrasound. The remaining two subjects, one in a trans-vaginal ultrasound and another during a dental procedure had a systemic allergic reaction. We studied all patients with all medications administered during the procedures, including latex and detergents and disinfectants. Three surgeries had to be suspended at induction of anesthesia, five were stopped incomplete and two were completed. Both patients that presented a reaction during endoscopy required intensive care unit admission and the rest were observed in a Hospital. The responsible drugs during surgery anaphylaxis were neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, patent blue, and ranitidine. Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) was identified during endoscopic studies; latex was responsible in transvaginal ultrasounds; and amoxicillin in the dental procedure. The aim of the present article is to review our experience studying allergic systemic reactions and anaphylaxis during general anesthesia and medical procedures, emphasizing the severity of these reactions and the need for causative drug identification.

Anafilaxias y reacciones alérgicas durante cirugías y procedimientos médicos / Anaphylaxis and allergic reactions during surgery and medical procedures

Las reacciones anafilácticas intraoperatorias son impredecibles, infrecuentes y pueden poner en riesgo al paciente. Tienen una incidencia de 1/10 000 a 1/20 000 produciéndose en la mayoría de los casos por bloqueantes musculares, látex y antibióticos. No hay estadística de las reacciones alérgicas sistémicas durante otros procedimientos médicos. El estudio diagnóstico posterior a una reacción es complejo debiendo incluir toda la medicación utilizada en el procedimiento. En este estudio retrospectivo describimos 15 pacientes, de los cuales 10 tuvieron reacciones anafilácticas en un procedimiento quirúrgico, 2 en endoscopías y 1 en una ecografía transvaginal. Los dos pacientes restantes presentaron una reacción alérgica sistémica durante una ecografía transvaginal y un procedimiento odontológico. Estudiamos los pacientes con toda la medicación utilizada, incluimos látex y, eventualmente, los detergentes y desinfectantes, de haber sido empleados. Tres de las 10 cirugías no pudieron realizarse por desarrollarse la reacción durante la inducción anestésica, en cinco casos debieron interrumpirse y solo en dos se terminaron. Las reacciones posteriores a endoscopías fueron severas, requiriendo internación en terapia intensiva; las reacciones en ecografías transvaginales y procedimientos odontológicos fueron asistidas en emergencias. Los agentes causales en las cirugías incluyeron bloqueantes musculares, látex, cefalosporina, azul patente y ranitidina; en endoscopías el agente causal fue el orto-ftalaldehído (OPA), en las ecografías transvaginales el látex y en el procedimiento odontológico la amoxicilina. El objetivo de este artículo es describir la etiología de las reacciones alérgicas sistémicas y anafilácticas intraoperatorias y en procedimientos médicos, recalcando su gravedad y la necesidad de su identificación.

Anaphylaxis during anesthesia is an unpredictable, severe, and rare reaction. It has an incidence of 1/10 000 to 1/20 000 surgeries. In most series, the responsible drugs include neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, or antibiotics. The frequency and etiology of systemic allergic reactions in other medical procedures are largely unknown. The identification of responsible drugs of anaphylaxis is a complex task, requiring testing of all medications and substances used during surgery. We describe our experience in a retrospective study of 15 patients. Ten subjects developed anaphylaxis during surgery, two in endoscopic studies and one in a trans-vaginal ultrasound. The remaining two subjects, one in a trans-vaginal ultrasound and another during a dental procedure had a systemic allergic reaction. We studied all patients with all medications administered during the procedures, including latex and detergents and disinfectants. Three surgeries had to be suspended at induction of anesthesia, five were stopped incomplete and two were completed. Both patients that presented a reaction during endoscopy required intensive care unit admission and the rest were observed in a Hospital. The responsible drugs during surgery anaphylaxis were neuromuscular blocking agents, latex, patent blue, and ranitidine. Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) was identified during endoscopic studies; latex was responsible in transvaginal ultrasounds; and amoxicillin in the dental procedure. The aim of the present article is to review our experience studying allergic systemic reactions and anaphylaxis during general anesthesia and medical procedures, emphasizing the severity of these reactions and the need for causative drug identification.

[Allergy to drugs. Experience in 771 procedures]. / Alergia a drogas. Experiencia en 771 procedimientos.

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (RHD) are those that present clinically as allergic. They can or cannot involve an immunologic mechanism of lesion. They are frequent and, occasionally, life threatening. Patients with RHD repeat the reaction when they are re-exposed to the drug, limiting the therapeutic options and exposing them to more expensive and toxic drugs. It is difficult to identify the responsible drug when the reaction was not recent or when it occurred in the context of therapy with multiple drugs or confusing concurrent diseases. The diagnosis should be based on clinical history, followed by drug skin tests and drug provocation tests. We describe our experience in 771 procedures, 331 cutaneous and 440 drug provocation tests, 11% of them were positive. Positive symptoms included generalized pruritus, rash, urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchospasm, nausea and anaphylaxis. All the patients with positive tests had a good response to treatment. It can therefore be concluded that drug tests undertaken on individuals with suspected drug allergy, performed by experienced personnel and in controlled settings, are useful and safe to confirm drug hypersensitivity.

Alergia a drogas: Experiencia en 771 procedimientos / Allergy to drugs. Experience in 771 procedures

Las reacciones de hipersensibilidad a drogas (RHD) son aquellas que se presentan clínicamente como alérgicas. Las mismas pueden involucrar o no un mecanismo inmunológico de lesión. Las RHD son frecuentes y en ocasiones pueden poner en riesgo la vida. Los pacientes con RHD a una droga repiten la reacción ante una nueva exposición, limitando el arsenal terapéutico y exponiendo al sujeto a drogas más caras y/o más tóxicas. La identificación de la droga responsable de una RHD es difícil cuando la historia clínica no es reciente u ocurrió en el contexto de múltiples drogas y enfermedades concurrentes. El diagnóstico puede establecerse por la historia clínica, pruebas cutáneas y desafíos progresivos a drogas. Describimos nuestra experiencia en 771 procedimientos, 331 pruebas cutáneas y 440 desafíos progresivos a drogas, con un 11% de pruebas positivas. Las manifestaciones de positividad fueron prurito, rash, urticaria, angioedema, rinitis, broncoespasmo, náuseas y anafilaxia. Todos respondieron efectivamente al tratamiento de rescate. Las pruebas con drogas, realizadas en un contexto correcto, son seguras y sirven para confirmar o descartar el diagnóstico en un paciente con sospecha de alergia a drogas.

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (RHD) are those that present clinically as allergic. They can or cannot involve an immunologic mechanism of lesion. They are frequent and, occasionally, life threatening. Patients with RHD repeat the reaction when they are re-exposed to the drug, limiting the therapeutic options and exposing them to more expensive and toxic drugs. It is difficult to identify the responsible drug when the reaction was not recent or when it occurred in the context of therapy with multiple drugs or confusing concurrent diseases. The diagnosis should be based on clinical history, followed by drug skin tests and drug provocation tests. We describe our experience in 771 procedures, 331 cutaneous and 440 drug provocation tests, 11% of them were positive. Positive symptoms included generalized pruritus, rash, urticaria, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchospasm, nausea and anaphylaxis. All the patients with positive tests had a good response to treatment. It can therefore be concluded that drug tests undertaken on individuals with suspected drug allergy, performed by experienced personnel and in controlled settings, are useful and safe to confirm drug hypersensitivity.

[Relapses in inflammatory myopathies]. / Miopatías inflamatorias con evolución recidivante.

Most studies about treatment of inflammatory myopathies consist of cross-sectional analyses that do not assess long-term efficacy. In the present study we describe the follow-up of seven patients with inflammatory myopathies, 5 polymyositis and 2 dermatomyositis. We describe their clinical features, follow-up, muscle enzyme levels, and treatment responses. We define the latter as treatment cycles, every one of which end when steroid doses need to be increased or a new immunosuppressive drug has to be added because of clinical worsening or sustained increases in muscle enzyme levels. Treatment can cause remission, partially control, or fail in achieving myositis improvement when it normalizes, stabilizes, or does not affect muscle enzymes or clinical features, respectively. We analyzed 20 cycles, in which remission was achieved in 14 cases, partial control in 5 instances, and treatment failure in one case. Remission occurred after an average of 139 ± 98 days, whereas partial control took place in 160 ± 100 days. Except in one case, all treatment cycles controlled or remitted the symptoms. However, in all patients the illness recurred with time.

Miopatías inflamatorias con evolución recidivante / Relapses in inflammatory myopathies

La mayoría de los estudios de tratamiento de las miopatías inflamatorias son de corte y no permiten establecer su eficacia en largo plazo. En este trabajo, describimos el seguimiento de siete pacientes con miopatías inflamatorias, 5 polimiositis y 2 dermatomiositis. Determinamos su presentación, su seguimiento clínico mediante el examen físico, las enzimas musculares y la respuesta al tratamiento. Esta última la definimos como cursos de tratamiento, donde cada curso termina al aumentar los corticoides o al colocar una nueva medicación inmunosupresora debido al empeoramiento clínico o aumento sostenido de las enzimas musculares. El tratamiento instaurado puede remitir, controlar parcialmente, o fracasar en controlar la enfermedad en cuanto se normalicen, estabilicen, o no modifiquen respectivamente tanto la clínica como las enzimas musculares. Se analizaron 20 ciclos, en 14 se logró la remisión, en cinco se controló parcialmente y en uno fracasó el tratamiento. La remisión se logró en un tiempo promedio de 139 ± 98 días y el control en un promedio de 160 ± 100 días. Excepto en una ocasión, todos los ciclos de tratamiento, independientemente del que fuera, remitieron o controlaron los síntomas, pero en el tiempo todos los pacientes recidivaron en su enfermedad.

Most studies about treatment of inflammatory myopathies consist of cross-sectional analyses that do not assess long-term efficacy. In the present study we describe the follow-up of seven patients with inflammatory myopathies, 5 polymyositis and 2 dermatomyositis. We describe their clinical features, follow-up, muscle enzyme levels, and treatment responses. We define the latter as treatment cycles, every one of which end when steroid doses need to be increased or a new immunosuppressive drug has to be added because of clinical worsening or sustained increases in muscle enzyme levels. Treatment can cause remission, partially control, or fail in achieving myositis improvement when it normalizes, stabilizes, or does not affect muscle enzymes or clinical features, respectively. We analyzed 20 cycles, in which remission was achieved in 14 cases, partial control in 5 instances, and treatment failure in one case. Remission occurred after an average of 139 ± 98 days, whereas partial control took place in 160 ± 100 days. Except in one case, all treatment cycles controlled or remitted the symptoms. However, in all patients the illness recurred with time.

Epidemiology of angioedema without wheals in an allergy and immunology center.

We describe the diagnostic epidemiology, the clinical course, the family history and the response to treatment of patients with angioedema without wheals (AWW) at an Allergy and Immunology Clinical Center. We reviewed the case records of all patients at our office from January 1997 to April 2013. We recorded sex, age, age at onset of symptoms, family history of angioedema, number of visits to the office, type of angioedema, and response to treatment from those patients with angioedema without wheals. We classified angioedema according to its pathophysiology. We also describe those patients with angioedema mimics. From a total of 17,823 new patients, 303 had a presumptive diagnosis of angioedema without wheals. Twenty-three patients had an angioedema mimic. Forty percent were male and 60% were female. Average age at first visit was 40.6. Average number of visits was 2.4. Fifty-seven patients referred a family history. We attributed idiopathic angioedema to 55.7% of patients, 24.3% were drug related, 15.7% were due to C1 inhibitor deficiency, 2.1% were drug related+idiopathic angioedema, 1.4% were type III and 0.7% had exercise-induced angioedema. Ninety six percent of 53 evaluable idiopathic angioedema patients referred a benefit with anti-histamine therapy. AWW was a rare cause of consultation. Most of our patients had anti H1 responsive idiopathic angioedema and none had allergic angioedema. Women cases prevailed over men's. Family history and average age of onset of symptoms were different among the different types of angioedema.

[Rituximab and hypogammaglobulinemia]. / Rituximab e hipogammaglobulinemia.

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, induces the depletion of B lymphocytes. It is used for the treatment of lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. Antibody immunodeficiency associated to RTX treatment is a new motif for consultation to our service. We decided to study those patients that having been treated with RTX, consulted for hypogammaglobulinemia or recurrent infections between November 2010 and December 2014. We evaluated eight patients, seven female and one male. The average follow up time was 19.3±18.8 months, range 1 to 54, median 13. Three had a normal electrophoretic proteinogram before receiving RTX, three had hypogammaglobulinemia and in two data was not available. None of them had a quantitative determination of immunoglobulins before receiving RTX. Four received RTX as a treatment of non Hodking lymphoma, two as a treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, one for immune thrombocytopenic purpura and other for microscopic polyangiitis. Six were diagnosed with hypogammaglobulinemia and one with combined IgM, IgA and IgG2 deficiency. Five presented infections, four of them with good response to intravenous immunoglobulin. RTX related antibody deficiency consultations are increasing. It is important to determine the immunoglobulin levels previously to RTX use in order to establish an etiologic relationship with RTX and a quick diagnosis of antibody deficiency. The substitutive treatment with gammaglobulin seems to be useful in patients with severe or recurrent infections.

Rituximab e hipogammaglobulinemia / Rituximab and hypogammaglobulinemia

El rituximab (RTX), un anticuerpo quimérico anti-CD20 que induce la depleción de linfocitos B, es utilizado para el tratamiento de enfermedades linfoproliferativas y autoinmunes. La inmunodeficiencia humoral relacionada al tratamiento con RTX comenzó a ser un motivo de derivación a nuestro Servicio, por lo que decidimos analizar a los pacientes con el antecedente de haber sido tratados con RTX que consultaron por hipogammaglobulinemia o infecciones recurrentes desde noviembre de 2010 hasta diciembre de 2014. Evaluamos a ocho pacientes, siete mujeres y un varón. El tiempo promedio de seguimiento fue de 19.3 ± 18.8 meses, rango 1 a 54, con una mediana de 13. Tres tenían proteinogramas normales previo a la administración de RTX, tres hipogammaglobulinemia, y de dos no hay datos. A ninguno se le realizó una determinación cuantitativa de inmunoglobulinas previa al tratamiento. Cuatro recibieron RTX por linfoma B no Hodgkin, dos por leucemia linfocítica crónica, uno por púrpura trombocitopénica autoinmune y otro por poliangeítis microscópica. A seis se les diagnosticó hipogammaglobulinemia y a uno deficiencia de IgM, IgA e IgG2. Cinco presentaron infecciones, cuatro con buena respuesta al tratamiento de reemplazo con gammaglobulina. La inmunodeficiencia humoral relacionada a RTX es una causa de consulta cada vez más frecuente. Resulta fundamental disponer de los niveles de inmunoglobulinas previo al inicio de su administración para poder establecer una relación etiológica y durante el seguimiento, para disminuir el retraso diagnóstico. El tratamiento con gammaglobulina en dosis sustitutivas parece ser de utilidad en pacientes con infecciones graves o recurrentes.

Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody against CD20, induces the depletion of B lymphocytes. It is used for the treatment of lymphoproliferative and autoimmune diseases. Antibody immunodeficiency associated to RTX treatment is a new motif for consultation to our service. We decided to study those patients that having been treated with RTX, consulted for hypogammaglobulinemia or recurrent infections between November 2010 and December 2014. We evaluated eight patients, seven female and one male. The average follow up time was 19.3 ± 18.8 months, range 1 to 54, median 13. Three had a normal electrophoretic proteinogram before receiving RTX, three had hypogammaglobulinemia and in two data was not available. None of them had a quantitative determination of immunoglobulins before receiving RTX. Four received RTX as a treatment of non Hodking lymphoma, two as a treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, one for immune thrombocytopenic purpura and other for microscopic polyangiitis. Six were diagnosed with hypogammaglobulinemia and one with combined IgM, IgA and IgG2 deficiency. Five presented infections, four of them with good response to intravenous immunoglobulin. RTX related antibody deficiency consultations are increasing. It is important to determine the immunoglobulin levels previously to RTX use in order to establish an etiologic relationship with RTX and a quick diagnosis of antibody deficiency. The substitutive treatment with gammaglobulin seems to be useful in patients with severe or recurrent infections.

Epidemiology of angioedema without wheals in an allergy and immunology center

We describe the diagnostic epidemiology, the clinical course, the family history and the response to treatment of patients with angioedema without wheals (AWW) at an Allergy and Immunology Clinical Center. We reviewed the case records of all patients at our office from January 1997 to April 2013. We recorded sex, age, age at onset of symptoms, family history of angioedema, number of visits to the office, type of angioedema, and response to treatment from those patients with angioedema without wheals. We classified angioedema according to its pathophysiology. We also describe those patients with angioedema mimics. From a total of 17 823 new patients, 303 had a presumptive diagnosis of angioedema without wheals. Twenty-three patients had an angioedema mimic. Forty percent were male and 60% were female. Average age at first visit was 40.6. Average number of visits was 2.4. Fifty-seven patients referred a family history. We attributed idiopathic angioedema to 55.7% of patients, 24.3% were drug related, 15.7% were due to C1 inhibitor deficiency, 2.1% were drug related + idiopathic angioedema, 1.4% were type III and 0.7% had exercise-induced angioedema. Ninety six percent of 53 evaluable idiopathic angioedema patients referred a benefit with anti-histamine therapy. AWW was a rare cause of consultation. Most of our patients had anti H1 responsive idiopathic angioedema and none had allergic angioedema. Women cases prevailed over men´s. Family history and average age of onset of symptoms were different among the different types of angioedema.

Describimos la epidemiología, historia clínica, antecedentes familiares y respuesta al tratamiento de los pacientes consultando por angioedema sin urticaria en nuestra clínica especializada en Alergia e Inmunología. Revisamos retrospectivamente todas las historias clínicas de nuestro consultorio entre enero de 1997 y abril de 2013. Seleccionamos aquellos pacientes que habían consultado por angioedema sin urticaria y registramos el sexo, edad, edad de comienzo de síntomas, antecedentes familiares de angioedema, número de consultas, tipo de angioedema y respuesta al tratamiento. Clasificamos el angioedema de acuerdo a su fisiopatología. Describimos también los diagnósticos diferenciales que encontramos. De un total de 17 823 pacientes, 303 consultaron por angioedema sin ronchas. Veintitrés presentaban un diagnóstico alternativo. El 40% eran hombres y el 60% mujeres. La edad promedio de la primera visita fue 40.6 años. El promedio de consultas fue 2.4. Cincuenta y siete refirieron antecedentes familiares. El 55.7% fue clasificado como angioedema idiopático, el 24.3% secundario a drogas, el 15.7% secundario a deficiencia del inhibidor C1, 2.1% por drogas + idiopático, 1.4% angioedema tipo III y 0.71% asociado al ejercicio. Noventa y seis por ciento de 53 pacientes evaluables con angioedema idiopático se beneficiaron con antihistamínicos. El angioedema sin urticaria fue una causa rara de consultas. Las mujeres prevalecieron sobre los hombres. Los antecedentes familiares y la edad de comienzo de síntomas variaron de acuerdo al tipo de angioedema.

[Adverse events in 1395 infusions with different intravenous gammaglobulin products]. / Eventos adversos en 1395 infusiones con diferentes preparados de gammaglobulina intravenosa.

The processes of isolation and sterilization of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) affect the end product characteristics and, therefore, its tolerability. Different products have different incidences of adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to quantify the immediate adverse events (AE) caused by the different IVIG preparations. We analyzed 1 395 infusions in 28 patients, with a median of 32.5 per subject (range 2-214), using six different IVIG preparations, with an average dose 40.3 ± 8.3 g. One thousand and thirty-one infusions were analyzed retrospectively and 364 prospectively. Patients used a mean of 2.68 ± 1.8 different IVIGs, with a median of 2 (range 1-6) per person. The number of trademarks used was related to the number of infusions received, r = 0.73. AE presented in 24 (2.3%) of 1 031 infusions retrospectively analyzed, affecting 11 of 23 patients enrolled, with a mean of 2.18 ± 1.08 AE per subject. Of 24 patients and 364 infusions prospectively analyzed, AE were observed in 14 patients and in 32 (7.2%) procedures. Twenty-four (42.9%) of 56 AE were mild, 31 (55.5%) moderate and one (1.8%) severe. The infusion rate was 9.04 ± 6 g/h for those presenting AE vs. 10.6 ± 4.6 g/h for those who did not (p = 0.31, NS). The incidence, severity and proportion of patients with AE for each brand of IVIG were very different from each other. This information should be taken into account when selecting the IVIG to be used.

Eventos adversos en 1395 infusiones con diferentes preparados de gammaglobulina intravenosa / Adverse events in 1395 infusions with different intravenous gammaglobulin products

Los procesos de aislamiento y esterilización de la gammaglobulina endovenosa (IVIG) afectan las características del producto terminado y, por lo tanto, su tolerabilidad. Distintos productos tienen diferentes incidencias de reacciones adversas. Este trabajo cuantifica los eventos adversos (EA) inmediatos provocados por distintas preparaciones de IVIG. Analizamos 1395 infusiones en 28 pacientes, con una mediana de 32.5 por sujeto (rango 2-214), utilizando seis preparados distintos de IVIG, con una dosis total promedio de 40.3 ± 8.3 g. Analizamos retrospectivamente 1 031 infusiones y 364 prospectivamente. Los pacientes utilizaron una media de 2.68 ± 1.8 IVIG diferentes, con una mediana de 2 (rango 1-6) por persona. El número de marcas comerciales utilizadas se relacionó con el número de infusiones recibidas, r = 0.73. En 24 (2.3%) de 1031 infusiones analizadas en forma retrospectiva se registraron EA que afectaron a 11 de los 23 casos incluidos, con una media de 2.18 ± 1.08 EA por afectado. De 24 pacientes y de 364 infusiones prospectivas, en 14 pacientes y en 32 (7.2%) procedimientos se observaron EA. Veinticuatro (42.9%) de 56 EA fueron leves, 31 (55.5%) moderados y uno (1.8%) fue grave. La velocidad de infusión fue de 9.04 ± 4.6 g/h para las que presentaron EA vs. 10.6 ± 4.6 g/h para las que no (p = 0.31). La incidencia, la gravedad y la proporción de pacientes afectados con EA para cada marca comercial de IVIG fueron muy diferentes entre sí. Esta información debe ser tomada en cuenta en el momento de selección de la IVIG a utilizar.

The processes of isolation and sterilization of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) affect the end product characteristics and, therefore, its tolerability. Different products have different incidences of adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to quantify the immediate adverse events (AE) caused by the different IVIG preparations. We analyzed 1 395 infusions in 28 patients, with a median of 32.5 per subject (range 2-214), using six different IVIG preparations, with an average dose 40.3 ±8.3 g. One thousand and thirty-one infusions were analyzed retrospectively and 364 prospectively. Patients used a mean of 2.68 ±1.8 different IVIGs, with a median of 2 (range 1-6) per person. The number of trademarks used was related to the number of infusions received, r = 0.73. AE presented in 24 (2.3%) of 1 031 infusions retrospectively analyzed, affecting 11 of 23 patients enrolled, with a mean of 2.18 ± 1.08 AE per subject. Of 24 patients and 364 infusions prospectively analyzed, AE were observed in 14 patients and in 32 (7.2%) procedures. Twenty-four (42.9%) of 56 AE were mild, 31 (55.5%) moderate and one (1.8%) severe. The infusion rate was 9.04±4.6 g/h for those presenting AE vs. 10.6±4.6 g/h for those who did not (p = 0.31, NS). The incidence, severity and proportion of patients with AE for each brand of IVIG were very different from each other. This information should be taken into account when selecting the IVIG to be used.

Eventos adversos en 1395 infusiones con diferentes preparados de gammaglobulina intravenosa / Adverse events in 1395 infusions with different intravenous gammaglobulin products

Los procesos de aislamiento y esterilización de la gammaglobulina endovenosa (IVIG) afectan las características del producto terminado y, por lo tanto, su tolerabilidad. Distintos productos tienen diferentes incidencias de reacciones adversas. Este trabajo cuantifica los eventos adversos (EA) inmediatos provocados por distintas preparaciones de IVIG. Analizamos 1395 infusiones en 28 pacientes, con una mediana de 32.5 por sujeto (rango 2-214), utilizando seis preparados distintos de IVIG, con una dosis total promedio de 40.3 ± 8.3 g. Analizamos retrospectivamente 1 031 infusiones y 364 prospectivamente. Los pacientes utilizaron una media de 2.68 ± 1.8 IVIG diferentes, con una mediana de 2 (rango 1-6) por persona. El número de marcas comerciales utilizadas se relacionó con el número de infusiones recibidas, r = 0.73. En 24 (2.3%) de 1031 infusiones analizadas en forma retrospectiva se registraron EA que afectaron a 11 de los 23 casos incluidos, con una media de 2.18 ± 1.08 EA por afectado. De 24 pacientes y de 364 infusiones prospectivas, en 14 pacientes y en 32 (7.2%) procedimientos se observaron EA. Veinticuatro (42.9%) de 56 EA fueron leves, 31 (55.5%) moderados y uno (1.8%) fue grave. La velocidad de infusión fue de 9.04 ± 4.6 g/h para las que presentaron EA vs. 10.6 ± 4.6 g/h para las que no (p = 0.31). La incidencia, la gravedad y la proporción de pacientes afectados con EA para cada marca comercial de IVIG fueron muy diferentes entre sí. Esta información debe ser tomada en cuenta en el momento de selección de la IVIG a utilizar.(AU)

The processes of isolation and sterilization of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) affect the end product characteristics and, therefore, its tolerability. Different products have different incidences of adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to quantify the immediate adverse events (AE) caused by the different IVIG preparations. We analyzed 1 395 infusions in 28 patients, with a median of 32.5 per subject (range 2-214), using six different IVIG preparations, with an average dose 40.3 ±8.3 g. One thousand and thirty-one infusions were analyzed retrospectively and 364 prospectively. Patients used a mean of 2.68 ±1.8 different IVIGs, with a median of 2 (range 1-6) per person. The number of trademarks used was related to the number of infusions received, r = 0.73. AE presented in 24 (2.3%) of 1 031 infusions retrospectively analyzed, affecting 11 of 23 patients enrolled, with a mean of 2.18 ± 1.08 AE per subject. Of 24 patients and 364 infusions prospectively analyzed, AE were observed in 14 patients and in 32 (7.2%) procedures. Twenty-four (42.9%) of 56 AE were mild, 31 (55.5%) moderate and one (1.8%) severe. The infusion rate was 9.04±4.6 g/h for those presenting AE vs. 10.6±4.6 g/h for those who did not (p = 0.31, NS). The incidence, severity and proportion of patients with AE for each brand of IVIG were very different from each other. This information should be taken into account when selecting the IVIG to be used.(AU)

Eventos adversos en 1395 infusiones con diferentes preparados de gammaglobulina intravenosa. / [Adverse events in 1395 infusions with different intravenous gammaglobulin products].

The processes of isolation and sterilization of intravenous gamma globulin (IVIG) affect the end product characteristics and, therefore, its tolerability. Different products have different incidences of adverse reactions. The aim of this study was to quantify the immediate adverse events (AE) caused by the different IVIG preparations. We analyzed 1 395 infusions in 28 patients, with a median of 32.5 per subject (range 2-214), using six different IVIG preparations, with an average dose 40.3 ± 8.3 g. One thousand and thirty-one infusions were analyzed retrospectively and 364 prospectively. Patients used a mean of 2.68 ± 1.8 different IVIGs, with a median of 2 (range 1-6) per person. The number of trademarks used was related to the number of infusions received, r = 0.73. AE presented in 24 (2.3

) of 1 031 infusions retrospectively analyzed, affecting 11 of 23 patients enrolled, with a mean of 2.18 ± 1.08 AE per subject. Of 24 patients and 364 infusions prospectively analyzed, AE were observed in 14 patients and in 32 (7.2

) procedures. Twenty-four (42.9

) of 56 AE were mild, 31 (55.5

) moderate and one (1.8

) severe. The infusion rate was 9.04 ± 6 g/h for those presenting AE vs. 10.6 ± 4.6 g/h for those who did not (p = 0.31, NS). The incidence, severity and proportion of patients with AE for each brand of IVIG were very different from each other. This information should be taken into account when selecting the IVIG to be used.

[Systemic treatment of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid]. / Tratamiento sistémico del penfigoide cicatrizal ocular.

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a blistering autoimmune disease that can produce severe conjunctival damage. Its response to immunosuppressive treatment is poorly known. We describe a group of 76 patients, 62 women and 14 men. Mean age at diagnosis was 67±14 years old, with a delay to diagnosis of 7.5±10 years. Sixty patients continued their follow up in our services for 19±21 months. Nineteen out of 51 had mild disease, 19 moderate, 5 severe and 8 very severe at onset of treatment. The more frequently prescribed drugs were dapsone, in 35 (23 discontinued it because of adverse effects), and methotrexate in 42 patients, nine of them stopped it. Other patients received azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and ciclosporine. Seventeen received oral steroids in addition to immunosuppressive drugs. Four patients combined two immunosuppressive drugs to control their disease. In three refractory cases IV immunoglobulin (Ig) was administered with good response. From 48 evaluated patients, 39 improved with treatment, eight remained stable and one progressed. In our experience, methotrexate and azathioprine were effective drugs, with low toxicity. Dapsone was useful in mild cases, with frequent adverse effects. IVIg was effective for refractory cases.

Tratamiento sistémico del penfigoide cicatrizal ocular / Systemic treatment of ocular cicatricial pemphigoid

El penfigoide cicatrizal ocular (PCO) es una enfermedad ampollar autoinmune que produce daño conjuntival grave. Se conoce poco acerca de la respuesta del PCO al tratamiento inmunosupresor. Describimos un grupo de 76 pacientes con PCO, 62 mujeres y 14 hombres. La edad media al diagnóstico fue de 67 ± 14 años, con un retraso de 7.5 ± 10 años. Sesenta se siguieron en nuestro servicio por 19 ± 21 meses. De 51 en quienes se describe la gravedad de la enfermedad al inicio del tratamiento, fue leve en 19 pacientes, moderada en 19, grave en cinco y muy grave en ocho. Las drogas mayormente prescriptas fueron dapsona en 35 pacientes, de los que 23 la discontinuaron por efectos adversos, y metotrexate en 42, de los que nueve lo suspendieron. Otros recibieron azatioprina, ciclofosfamida y ciclosporina. A 17 se les indicaron corticoides orales, además del inmunosupresor. Cuatro combinaron dos drogas para controlar la enfermedad. Tres pacientes refractarios recibieron gammaglobulina EV con buena respuesta. De 48 evaluados, 39 mostraron mejoría, ocho no tuvieron cambios y uno progresó. En nuestra experiencia, metotrexate y azatioprina son efectivos, con baja toxicidad. Dapsona es útil en casos leves, con efectos adversos frecuentes. La gammaglobulina EV fue efectiva en casos refractarios.

Ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP) is a blistering autoimmune disease that can produce severe conjunctival damage. Its response to immunosuppressive treatment is poorly known. We describe a group of 76 patients, 62 women and 14 men. Mean age at diagnosis was 67±14 years old, with a delay to diagnosis of 7.5±10 years. Sixty patients continued their follow up in our services for 19±21 months. Nineteen out of 51 had mild disease, 19 moderate, 5 severe and 8 very severe at onset of treatment. The more frequently prescribed drugs were dapsone, in 35 (23 discontinued it because of adverse effects), and methotrexate in 42 patients, nine of them stopped it. Other patients received azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and ciclosporine. Seventeen received oral steroids in addition to immunosuppresive drugs. Four patients combined two immunosupressive drugs to control their disease. In three refractory cases IV immunoglobulin (Ig) was administered with good response. From 48 evaluated patients, 39 improved with treatment, eight remained stable and one progressed. In our experience, methotrexate and azathioprine were effective drugs, with low toxicity. Dapsone was useful in mild cases, with frequent adverse effects. IVIg was effective for refractory cases.