ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is reported to be the most common drug hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of self-reported NSAID hypersensitivity and identify patients at high risk of NSAID hypersensitivity. METHODS: Patients who presented at a single tertiary care hospital between January-December 2017 with reported NSAID hypersensitivity were evaluated. Clinical information obtained from a review of medical records was further supplemented with data gained from a telephone-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: From a total of 535 patients with reported NSAID hypersensitivity, 301 were included in the study. The mean age of onset of NSAID hypersensitivity reaction was 30.3 ± 14.9 years old. A total of 84 patients (27.9%) were hypersensitive to 2 or more chemically unrelated NSAIDs. The leading NSAID hypersensitivity was to propionic acid derivatives (73%) followed by acetic acid derivatives (28.9%). Immediate reaction (≤1 h) was identified in 171 patients (57.8%), and angioedema was the most frequently reported symptom (179 patients, 59.5%), followed by urticaria and anaphylaxis in 85 (28.2%) and 62 (20.6%) patients, respectively. A drug provocation test was performed on 53 patients, and NSAID hypersensitivity was confirmed in 38 patients (71.6%). The independent factors identified, which could predict NSAID hypersensitivity, were personal history of allergic rhinitis/chronic rhinosinusitis (AR/CRS), onset of NSAID hypersensitivity over 15 years old, and immediate reaction. CONCLUSION: Angioedema was the most typical symptom, and propionic acid derivatives were the most frequently reported culprit drugs. The significant risk factors predicting NSAID hypersensitivity were personal history of AR/CRS, onset of NSAID hypersensitivity reaction over 15 years old, and immediate reaction.
