Hoigné's syndrome, an uncommon mimicker of anaphylaxis: Systematic literature review.

The term Hoigné's syndrome denotes a mimicker of anaphylaxis, which occurs immediately after the parenteral administration of a drug and is likely caused by non-thrombotic pulmonary and systemic drug micro-embolization. It has so far been documented uniquely in case reports and small case series. Because this condition has never been systematically evaluated, we performed a structured literature review (pre-registered as CRD42023392962). The search was carried out in Excerpta Medica, National Library of Medicine, and Google Scholar. Cases with features consistent with anaphylaxis, urticaria, angioedema, asthma, syncope, anxiety, or panic attack triggered by needle phobia, and local anesthetic systemic toxicity were excluded. For the final analysis, we retained reports published between 1951 and 2021, which presented 247 patients with Hoigné's syndrome: 37 children and 211 adults with a male: female ratio of 2.1 : 1.0. The patients presented within 1 min after parenteral administration of a drug (intramuscular penicillin in 90 % of the cases) with chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fear of death, psychomotor agitation, and auditory or visual hallucinations and impairment. Recovery occurred within 30 min. The diagnosis of Hoigné's syndrome was also established in five patients 66-91 years of age with pre-existing cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, who suddenly died after the administration of penicillin despite not exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms. It was therefore speculated that pulmonary drug micro-embolization induced a lethal cardiovascular compromise in these individuals. Histologic investigations supporting this hypothesis were performed in only one case. The diagnosis of Hoigné's pulmonary drug micro-embolization was established also in five patients with pre-existing cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, who suddenly died after the administration of penicillin despite not exhibiting the afore mentioned symptoms. Histologic investigations supporting this hypothesis were performed in only one case. In conclusion, Hoigné's syndrome is an uncommon non-immune-mediated reaction. This report seeks to promote broader awareness and knowledge regarding this alarming mimicker of anaphylaxis. Diagnosis relies solely on clinical evaluation.

Nicolau syndrome caused by Glatiramer.

Injection-site reactions to glatiramer are common and include erythema, pruritus, pain, or induration. Additionally, the present systematic review of the literature documents 20 cases of Nicolau syndrome following glatiramer, a rare but potentially severe skin reaction. Abdomen and thighs are the most frequently affected areas (80% of reported cases), and permanent skin damage has been observed in 30% of cases. Recurrences are rare (<10%).

Nicolau syndrome caused by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Systematic literature review.

AIM: Intramuscular or, more rarely, local drug injection is occasionally followed by immediate local pain, livedoid skin lesions and, some days later, the development of ischemic lesions. This very uncommon but potentially severe reaction, termed Nicolau syndrome, is traditionally associated with bismuth and ß-lactam antimicrobials. The aim of this report was to review the literature associating Nicolau syndrome with the administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. METHODS: The National Library, Excerpta Medica, Web of Science and Cochrane library databases were used. RESULTS: Sixty-two cases (40 females and 22 males aged from 13 to 81, median 57 years) of Nicolau syndrome were published after 1992. Fifty-three cases occurred after diclofenac. The remaining nine cases were associated with ketoprofen (N = 2), ketorolac (N = 2), phenylbutazone (N = 2), etofenamate (N = 1), ibuprofen (N = 1) and piroxicam (N = 1). CONCLUSION: Although Nicolau syndrome is extremely uncommon, physicians must be aware of this complication after intramuscular administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and should avoid unnecessary injections.

Louse-borne relapsing fever - report of four cases in Switzerland, June-December 2015.

BACKGROUND: Louse-borne relapsing fever (LBRF) is a neglected disease that has been restricted to East Africa for many decades. Several cases in refugees from the Horn of Africa have been recently diagnosed in four European countries. CASE PRESENTATION: We report four additional cases of LBRF in asylum seekers from Somalia and Eritrea who presented with fever shortly after arriving in Switzerland during a seven-month period. Multiple spirochetes were visualized on stained blood films which were identified as Borrelia recurrentis by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All patients recovered after antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone and/or doxycycline. Concurrent infections (malaria and tuberculosis) were diagnosed in half of our patients. Possible modes of transmission and preventive measures are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: These reported cases highlight the ongoing transmission of LBRF in migrants from East Africa. Diagnosis of LBRF cases and prevention of autochthonous transmission in asylum seeker camps are important steps for the near future.