The Natural Course of Adult-Onset Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Adult-onset food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Adult FPIES differs from pediatric FPIES in terms of dietary triggers and symptoms, thus further broadening the clinical phenotypes of the disease. The natural history of FPIES in adulthood is poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural course of FPIES in adults. METHODS: We performed an ambispective study of adults diagnosed with acute FPIES during 2016-2021. Data on age, sex, symptoms, implicated food, and oral food challenge (OFC) outcomes at baseline and during follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two adults were included (83.3% female; median age at diagnosis, 40 years). The predominant symptoms were diarrhea (92.9%) and abdominal cramps (71.4%); vomiting was reported by 59% of patients. The most common triggers were shellfish (n = 19, 45.2%) and fish (n = 19, 45.2%). The mean number of reactions before diagnosis was 6.3 (2-15). Twenty-one OFCs were carried out with the offending food in 15 patients. Six patients achieved tolerance (40%) after a mean of 17.8 months (range, 6-36 months). Twelve of all OFCs performed were positive (57.1%). The absolute leukocyte and neutrophil counts measured before and 1 to 2 hours after the positive challenge showed a mean increase of 3045 and 2736 cells/µL, respectively. Serum tryptase, C-reactive protein, and eosinophil and platelet values did not change significantly after the OFC. CONCLUSION: Some patients may outgrow adult-onset FPIES.

Photoallergy to Naproxen.

Reactions caused by photosensitivity, also called photodermatosis, are cutaneous reactions induced or exacerbated by exposure to electromagnetic radiation, including UV radiation, visible light, and infrared radiation. We present the case of a 41-year-old man with no personal history of allergy and who is referred to our Drug Allergy Unit for study. We performed a conventional patch test (non-irradiated) and photopatch (with the application of UVA) with reading at 48 and 96 hours and 24 hours after irradiation with an intensity of 5J/cm2. Drug-induced photosensitivity can manifest itself in two clinically indistinguishable forms: photoallergy and phototoxicity. Photoallergic reactions are due to an immunological response of type IV hypersensitivity (a cell-mediated mechanism). We present a case of photoallergy due to sensitization to naproxen, confirmed by photopatch tests.

Treatment with lipid transfer protein sublingual immunotherapy: slowing down new sensitizations.

Food allergy (FA) is a potentially life-threatening condition, food allergen immunotherapy, targeting the underlying mechanisms, is a potentially curative strategy in FA. A 46-year-old woman had an episode of facial angioedema and urticaria after mandarin ingestion and other episode of urticaria, abdominal pain, and facial angioedema after eating hazelnuts and almonds 4 years ago and contact urticaria (CU) with the manipulation of the peach skin. Three years ago, she suffered a facial and glottis angioedema, generalized urticaria, vomiting, and abdominal pain 10-15 minutes after eating green beans. She was treated with intravenous corticosteroids and antihistamines and intramuscular epinephrine, with complete resolution within a few hours. She no longer consumed nuts, and she avoided vegetables or fruits that caused her symptoms. Prick-prick test were performed, being positive with lettuce, eggplant, and cabbage and negative for cauliflower and broccoli. Total IgE (UniCAP method, kU/L) was 39.3, specific IgE Prup3 lipid transfer protein (LTP), 3.9; specific IgE to peanut, peach, pear, lemon, almond, avocado, walnut, cherry, and green bean were also positive. We decided to try to stop the march of the LTP sensitizations. Sublingual immunotherapy with a peach extract quantified in 12 µg/mL of peach allergen Prup3 was then initiated without any adverse event, and she has good adherence to the treatment. After 1 year, single-blind oral challenge test with peach, mandarin, and aubergine, were performed up to a portion dose (approximately 100 g) with all good tolerances.

Drug challenge tests with general anesthetics: predictive value of skin tests

BACKGROUND: The study of perioperative drug reactions remains a major challenge for both diagnosis and therapy. The lack of a standard assessment of allergy to general anesthetics and of data establishing the true value of skin tests for most drugs used in induction and maintenance of anesthesia, as well as the lack of commercially available reagents for in vitro tests, renders the study of these reactions problematic. The aims of this study were to provide a diagnostic protocol for drug challenge testing with general anesthetics, to establish an etiological diagnosis that is as specific as possible, and to determine the predictive value of skin tests. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with perioperative drug reactions were included in the study from November 2008 to December 2018. RESULTS: We confirmed the high negative predictive value of the tests (96%-100%) in the case of propofol, rocuronium, and fentanyl. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe drug challenge testing with general anesthetics and, therefore, to establish the true negative predictive value of skin tests, which leads to a definitive diagnosis and safer surgery. CONCLUSIONS: After assessing risks and benefits and considering the importance of this group of drugs, we conclude that drug challenge testing with general anesthetics is necessary. We propose a protocol for perioperative drug reactions that enables us to make a highly accurate etiological diagnosis with minimum risk for the patient

ANTECEDENTES: La ausencia de estandarización del estudio de alergia a anestésicos generales y ausencia de verdaderos datos sobre el valor de las pruebas cutáneas en la mayoría de los fármacos empleados en anestesia general, así como la ausencia de reactivos disponibles comercialmente para poder realizar tests in vitro, continúa suponiendo un dilema para estudiar las reacciones perianestésicas. El objetivo de este estudio fue aportar un protocolo de pruebas de provocación con anestésicos generales para poder establecer un diagnóstico etiológico lo mas especifico posible, y determinar el valor predictivo de las pruebas cutáneas. MÉTODOS: Desde noviembre de 2008 a diciembre de 2018, fueron estudiados 29 pacientes con reacciones perioperatorias a medicamentos. RESULTADOS: Con este estudio, confirmamos el alto valor predictivo negativo (VPN) de las pruebas cutáneas (96-100%) en el caso del propofol, rocuronio y fentanilo. En nuestro conocimiento, este es el primer trabajo que describe pruebas de provocación con anestésicos generales, y en aportar el verdadero VPN de las pruebas cutáneas, lo que permite llegar a un diagnóstico más definitivo, y a una mayor seguridad en futuras cirugías. CONCLUSIONES: Valorando riesgos /beneficios y considerando la importancia de este grupo de medicamentos, concluimos que las pruebas de provocación controlada con anestésicos generales, son necesarias. Proponemos un protocolo diagnóstico de las reacciones perioperatorias por fármacos, que permita alcanzar un diagnóstico etiológico lo más certero posible, con el menor riesgo para el paciente

Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Fentanyl TTS with Good Tolerance to Systemic Fentanyl.

BACKGROUND: Fentanyl is primarily an opioid agonist. It is frequently used in general anesthesia as a potent analgesic. It can be administered either orally, transdermally or systemically. Adverse effects due to opium alkaloids are usually because of a non-specific histamine release. Only in a few cases, a true allergy mechanism could be involved. Immediate reactions to opioids are most frequent than delayed reactions. In the past years, delayed reactions have increased in frequency because of the wide use of Transdermal Therapeutic System (TTS) with several opioids for its potent analgesic properties. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to study delayed reaction to fentanyl TTS and cross-reactivity with other opioids. METHODS: A 52-year-old man with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer who began treatment for a bone metastases pain with fentanyl TTS, at a dose of 50 micrograms per hour (mcg/h) is the subject of the study. After 10-15 days of treatment, he developed an itchy papulovesicular rash in the application site of the fentanyl TTS. Afterward, eczema and superficial desquamation just on the application site of the patch were observed. He changed several times the site of application, but always developing the same symptoms in every single application. Later on, he tolerated other opioids such as oral morphine or tramadol. An allergy workout was performed. We performed Patch Tests (PT) with fentanyl at a concentration of 10% in aqua (aq) and with buprenorphine 10% aq., in order to investigate probable crossreactivity among other topical opioids. RESULTS: Readings were recorded at day 2 (D2) and day 4 (D4), with positive PT only with fentanyl at D2 (+++) and D4 (+++). We decided to perform a single-blind challenge test with buprenorphine 35 mcg/h in TTS, with a negative result. At this moment, fentanyl TTS was replaced by buprenorphine TTS, with good tolerance. CONCLUSION: We present the case of Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) due to hypersensitivity to fentanyl with good tolerance to buprenorphine. Positive PT in this patient suggests a type IV hypersensitivity mechanism. Allergic reactions to opioids are frequently immediate, but delayed reactions could appear, especially when the drug is administered topically.

Quality of Life in Patients with Allergic Reactions to Medications: Influence of a Drug Allergy Evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Suspicion of allergic drug reaction can cause important disturbances in the patient's life. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated in a prospective multicenter study the quality of life of patients who suffered a possible allergic drug reaction, and analyzed the effect of a drug allergy evaluation. METHODS: Patients (>18 years old) answered the specific questionnaire twice: before the drug allergy evaluation, and 1 month after it was completed. Statistics were performed using STATA. RESULTS: A total of 360 patients (240, 66.6% female; mean age, 45.4 years; standard deviation [SD], 15.6 years) completed the first questionnaire. After the evaluation, 150 of 346 patients (43.4%) were diagnosed as allergic to the drug (115 of 150 immediate; 35 of 150 delayed) and 196 of 346 patients (56.6%) as nonallergic. The mean value of the first questionnaire was 32.14 (SD, 11.84); patients with anaphylaxis, nonanaphylactic immediate reaction, with more than 1 drug reaction, or a chronic osteoarticular disease, had a statistically significant higher score in Q0 (worse quality of life). After the allergy study, the mean of the second questionnaire was 27.27 (SD, 9.96), showing a global improvement (P < .001). No statistically significant difference was found between drug allergic and non-drug allergic patients (P = .340); however, being >40 years old (P = .030), having a chronic osteoarticular disease (P = .003) and having more than 1 reaction to drugs (P < .001) were associated with a statistically significant worse quality of life after the evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: Having suffered anaphylaxis, more than 1 reported drug allergy or presenting a musculoskeletal disease are factors that worsen the quality of life. Quality of life improved significantly after completing a drug allergy evaluation.

Flare-Up Phenomenon of Intradermal Test with Anaphylactic Reaction to Paracetamol (Acetaminophen).

BACKGROUND: Paracetamol is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) that can produce hypersensitive reactions mediated by specific immunological mechanisms (IgE or T celldependent) or by a non-immunological mechanism (inhibition of cyclooxygenase COX-1). OBJECTIVE: An 80-year-old man with a history of allergy to pyrazolones, with good tolerance to other NSAIDs was referred to our allergy department because he presented a generalized urticaria after the administration of Intravenous (IV) paracetamol. METHODS: We performed an Intradermal Test (IDT) with paracetamol (0.02mg/ml) and later a Single Blind Oral Challenge Test (SBOCT) with oral paracetamol. RESULTS: IDT reading at 15min showed negative result so an SBOCT was performed with oral paracetamol. With an accumulative dose of 250mg, after 20min, he developed discomfort, nausea and dizziness, urticarial, hypotension (BP 80/40) as well as flare-up phenomenon was observed in the site of the IDT with paracetamol. Tryptase levels during the reaction and 2hrs later were increased. CONCLUSION: We present an anaphylactic shock due to sensitization to paracetamol because of a type I hypersensitivity mechanism, diagnosed by SBOCT and a positive IDT because of flare-up phenomenon, in a patient with previous pyrazolones allergy and with tolerance to other NSAIDs. Some relevant patents are also summarized in this paper.

Atrial Fibrillation in Anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between anaphylaxis and cardiovascular events has been reported in the past. While skin and respiratory symptoms are usually the most common and the first to appear, cardiovascular complications play a key role and represent the leading cause of death in anaphylaxis. METHODS: We report 3 episodes of atrial fibrillation triggered by anaphylaxis. Allergy and cardiology studies were performed. In both patients, the etiological agent was identified: Anisakis simplex hypersensitivity and food allergy. RESULTS: The heart is the source and target of chemical mediators released during an allergic reaction. In the heart, there are plenty of mast cells, and they are predominantly located around the coronary adventitia and in close contact with small vessels in the muscle wall. The release of mediators can influence ventricular function, heart rate, and coronary artery tone. Anaphylaxis can trigger any kind of arrhythmia. In these cases, the very interesting point of discussion was: which should be first, treating anaphylaxis or cardiac events? The other controversial point was the use of epinephrine, the first line of treatment for anaphylaxis. Recommendations about epinephrine in cardiac patients during an anaphylactic event are still a major dilemma. CONCLUSIONS: We emphasize the importance of the priority of establishing protocols between cardiologist and allergist in treatment of cardiac complications during anaphylaxis, and we warn about the correct diagnosis of arrhythmias in anaphylaxis in order to treat them as soon as possible, to prevent other consequences and complications.

[Cereal-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis]. / Anafilaxia dependiente de cereales inducida por ejercicio.

Wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) is increasing. In vitro test such as omega-5-gliadin levels are useful in the diagnosis, while oral single blind challenge tests (OCT) with wheat plus exercise continuous being the gold standard diagnostic method. This paper reports the case of a 38-year-old woman, with several episodes of anaphylaxis after eating different foods and doing exercise after ingestion. An allergy study was performed with positive skin prick tests for wheat, barley and rye. Total IgE 238.0KU/L, positive specific IgE (>100KU/L) to wheat, barley and rye, and negative to rTri-a-19 omega-5 gliadin. OCT with bread and exercise was positive. In this case of wheat-dependent exerciseinduced anaphylaxis (WDEIA) with negative serum specific IgE to omega-5-gliadin, negative results with gamma, alpha, bheta y omega-gliadin doesn't exclude the diagnosis of WDEIA.

La anafilaxia inducida por ejercicio dependiente de trigo (WDEIA por sus siglas en inglés de wheat-dependent-exercise-induced-anaphylaxis) es una entidad cada vez más frecuente. La detección de IgE frente a omega-5-gliadina in vitro se usa como método diagnóstico, pero la provocación oral controlada simple ciego (POC) con el alimento, junto con la realización de ejercicio físico, es el método diagnóstico patrón de referencia. Se comunica el caso de una paciente de 38 años de edad, con antecedente de episodios de anafilaxia relacionados con la ingestión de alimentos y la realización de actividad física. Se realizó un estudio alergológico. Las pruebas cutáneas fueron positivas a harina de trigo, cebada y centeno. IgE total: 238.0 kU/L, IgE específica positiva (mayor de 100 kU/L) a trigo, cebada, centeno y negativa a rTri-a-19omega-5 gliadina. La provocación oral controlada con pan de trigo y ejercicio físico fue positiva. En este caso con anafilaxia inducida por ejercicio dependiente de trigo sin sensibilización omega-5 gliadina la ausencia de IgE frente gamma, alfa, beta yomega-gliadina no excluiría el diagnóstico de esta enfermedad.