[Standardizaron of the biological potency of allergenic extracts from Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus for immunotherapy]. / Estandarización de la potencia biológica de extractos alergénicos de Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus para inmunoterapia.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis and asthma are the more frequent allergic diseases. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus is one of the more clinically relevant causes of allergic diseases. OBJECTIVE: To standardize the biological potency Allergenic Bioequivalent Units (BAU) of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus allergen extracts of three national laboratories. METHODS: This experimental, prospective, transversal, quantitative study included patients allergic to house dust mites. According to the FDA protocol, allergenic extracts of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus from three Mexican manufacturers, were injected intradermally in threefold dilutions, until get an midpoint orthogonal diameters 50 mm erythema sum. Statistical analysis was done using logistic regression, one-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni test. RESULTS: We included 20 adult patients, 11 women and 9 men, aged between 16 and 45 years. Four patients had allergic asthma and rhinitis and 16 only had allergic rhinitis. There were no systemic anaphylactic reactions. Correlation coefficients of linear regression of the dose/response were to Allerstand r=0.55, Allergomex r=0.54 and Allerquim r=0.57(p=0.001). Dilutions calculated for 100,000 BAU/ml for each extract were Allerstand 1:26295, Allergomex 1:26341 and Allerquim 1:73993. The protein concentration (mcg/mL) was: Allergomex: 63, Allerquim 65, Allerstand 154. CONCLUSIONS: It was established the biological potency for each tested extract. We have found significant differences in the biological equivalence among the extracts from the three manufacturers. The procedure showed an adequate safety profile.

[Hypersensitivity reactions to insulin]. / Reacciones de hipersensibilidad a la insulina.

BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity reactions to insulin are infrequent, yet of clinical importance. The mechanisms of hypersensitivity involved can be of three types: I, III and IV. OBJECTIVE: To describe the pathophysiology of hypersensitivity to insulin, its clinical features and diagnostic and therapeutic approach, that help identify the cases of allergy to insulin and begin a treatment, or if necessary, to refer patients to a specialists or appropriate medical attention. METHODS: An electronic search of papers related to insulin hypersensitivity was performed in PubMed and the articles selected were those considered the most relevant for this review. RESULTS: Thirty eight papers about pathophysiology, mechanisms of injury and the different types of insulin involved in hypersensitivity reactions were included. Likewise, information for the diagnosis of insulin hypersensitivity and some options of treatment for first contact physicians or the referral of patients to specialists in endocrinology and allergy were included. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin hypersensitivity has a low prevalence and diverse clinical manifestations. The different types of insulin suitable allow the majority of cases of hypersensitivity to continue the treatment in a efficient and flexible manner.