ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: CF patients often demonstrate hypersensitivity to one or multiple antibiotics due to frequent and repeated exposures. Attempts at antibiotic desensitization in this population are historically complicated by higher reaction rates, failure to complete the procedure and consequent withholding of first-line therapy. This study evaluates the outcomes of a rapid desensitization protocol developed at our institution. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 15 patients undergoing 52 rapid antibiotic desensitizations at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Children's Hospital Boston utilizing our protocol. RESULTS: Mean FEV1 % predicted was 44.1 (SD 16.5), with two patients at <30% and one patient desensitized during bilateral lung transplantation. Adverse reactions during desensitization occurred in 13.4%, and most were mild. 100% of patients completed the protocol and ultimately tolerated subsequent full-strength antibiotic courses. CONCLUSIONS: CF patients with antibiotic hypersensitivity can safely receive first-line antibiotics via our rapid desensitization protocol, including those with severe obstructive lung disease.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/adverse effects , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Desensitization, Immunologic/methods , Drug Hypersensitivity/immunology , Drug Hypersensitivity/therapy , Adult , Anti-Bacterial Agents/immunology , Bacterial Infections/drug therapy , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Retrospective Studies , Time Factors , Treatment Outcome , Young AdultABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) to chemotherapeutic drugs, including mAbs, often require that the provoking medication be discontinued, thus raising a dilemma for the caregiver: further use could precipitate a severe, even fatal, allergic reaction on re-exposure, but alternative drugs might be poorly tolerated or much less effective compared with the preferred agent. OBJECTIVE: We have developed a standardized rapid desensitization protocol for achieving temporary tolerization to drug allergens. In this study we evaluate the safety and efficacy of this protocol. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients who had HSRs in response to treatment with carboplatin, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, paclitaxel, liposomal doxorubicin, doxorubicin, or rituximab received rapid desensitization to these agents. A standardized 12-step protocol was used, with treatment given intravenously or intraperitoneally. Initial desensitizations occurred in the medical intensive care unit, whereas most subsequent infusions took place in an outpatient setting. Safety and efficacy of the protocol were assessed by review of treatment records. RESULTS: Of the 413 desensitizations performed, 94% induced mild or no reactions. No life-threatening HSRs or deaths occurred during the procedure, and all patients received their full target dose. Most reactions occurred during the first desensitization. Reactions were most commonly reported at the last step of the protocol. Desensitizations through the intravenous and intraperitoneal routes were equally effective. CONCLUSIONS: Our standardized 12-step protocol for rapid drug desensitization is safe and effective and has been adopted as the standard of care at our institutions in treating patients with HSRs to chemotherapeutic drugs, including mAbs.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects , Desensitization, Immunologic/methods , Drug Hypersensitivity/therapy , Adult , Aged , Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Clinical Protocols , Desensitization, Immunologic/adverse effects , Drug Hypersensitivity/immunology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Skin Tests , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This article presents a case report of perioperative anaphylaxis in a previously nonallergic 44-year-old man undergoing cervical spine surgery. After receiving general anesthesia with midazolam, propofol, lidocaine, fentanyl, rocuronium, and sevoflurane and cefazolin for prophylaxis, the patient developed hypotension, tachycardia, bronchospasm, and generalized erythema. A serum tryptase concentration was markedly elevated 2 hours after the anaphylactic episode. Initial prick and intradermal skin tests (excluding skin testing for unavailable benzylpenicilloyl polylysine) and IgE immunoassays for penicillin and cefazolin were negative. However, repeat prick skin testing for cefazolin 6 weeks after anaphylaxis was positive. Although anaphylaxis to cephalosporins is rare, it remains a potential cause of perioperative anaphylaxis. All cases of perioperative anaphylaxis require a workup to identify the offending agent and to avoid future reactions. Skin testing regimens for several commonly implicated drugs used for general anesthesia are available and are described.
