Selection of allergen extract for immunotherapy in polysensitized allergic rhinitis patients.

Aim: To evaluate the criteria used by allergists in selecting an immunotherapy extract (allergen immunotherapy [AIT]-extract) in rhinitis patients with polysensitization. Methods: First, a cross-sectional study was carried out by evaluating different factors that influence the medical choice of AIT-extract. Second, a literature review was performed by evaluating the diagnostic performance of atopy tests. Results: A total of 419 patients were included (84 children, 149 adolescents and 186 adults). Anamnesis, atopy tests and exposure to pets were the main factors for choosing the AIT extract. The sensitivity and specificity of atopy tests were high for Dermatophagoides spp., (>80%), moderate for pets (60%) and indeterminate for Blomia tropicalis. Conclusion: NCTs could be necessary for AIT-extract selection in polysensitized allergic rhinitis patients.

Allergen immunotherapy is an effective treatment for patients with allergic rhinitis. Atopy tests are used to identify possible substances in the environment that cause symptoms. A patient may sometimes have multiple substances which could be causing their allergic reactions, which makes it difficult to choose the appropriate immunotherapy for the patient. In this study, we identified some factors that might help to guide the criteria used by allergists when selecting the extract for immunotherapy.

Characteristics of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic and biological agents and desensitization behavior / Características de pacientes com reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos e comportamento de dessensibilização

Introduction: Hypersensitivity to chemotherapeutic and biological agents has increased in recent years due to their frequent use. Avoidance has been the first line of defense, leading to decreased treatment efficacy and increased adverse events. Objective: To characterize the sociodemographic and clinical aspects of patients with hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic agents who underwent desensitization and biological procedures in a Colombian city. Methods: This observational, descriptive, retrospective, multicenter study was conducted in patients with hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic and biological agents who underwent desensitization. Results: In the 14 included patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to chemotherapeutic and biological agents (57.1% women; median age 42.5 years), 45 desensitization procedures were performed. The most commonly prescribed drug was rituximab (57%). The skin was the most frequent reaction site (78.6%), and systemic corticosteroids were the most common treatment (78.6%). Breakthrough reactions occurred in 31.1% of the patients and only premedication with corticosteroids was associated with less severe reactions. All cases of desensitization were successful. Conclusions: Desensitization to chemotherapeutic and biological agents proved to be a useful and safe tool in a Colombian population.

Introdução: A hipersensibilidade aos agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos aumentou nos últimos anos devido ao seu uso frequente. Evitar tem sido a primeira linha de ação, levando à diminuição da eficácia do tratamento e ao aumento de eventos adversos. Objetivos: Caracterizar os aspectos sociodemográficos e clínicos de pacientes com reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos submetidos a dessensibilização e procedimentos biológicos em uma cidade colombiana. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo observacional, descritivo, retrospectivo e multicêntrico em pacientes com reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos submetidos à dessensibilização. Resultados: Foram incluídos 45 procedimentos de dessensibilização em 14 pacientes com histórico de reações de hipersensibilidade a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos (57,1% mulheres, com mediana de idade de 42,5 anos). O medicamento mais relatado foi o rituximabe (57%). O envolvimento cutâneo foi o mais frequente (78,6%) e os corticosteroides sistêmicos foram o tratamento mais utilizado (78,6%). As reações ocorreram em 31,1% e apenas a pré-medicação com corticosteroides foi associada a uma menor gravidade destas. Todos os casos de dessensibilização foram bem-sucedidos. Conclusões: A dessensibilização a agentes quimioterápicos e biológicos provou ser uma ferramenta útil e segura em uma população colombiana.

DRESS syndrome: A literature review and treatment algorithm.

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms, known by its acronym in English as DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms), clinically manifests with fever, facial edema, lymphadenopathy, a morbilliform rash, and organ involvement. Laboratory results reveal leukocytosis, atypical lymphocytes, eosinophilia, and alterations of liver and kidney function tests. The actual incidence of DRESS is unknown, because it may vary depending on the type of medication and the immune status of each patient; also, because many cases remain undiagnosed or untreated. The drugs most associated with DRESS include antiepileptics, antibiotics, antituberculosis, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs). Its diagnosis is sometimes made late and can become a challenge. The diagnostic criteria proposed by the international Registry of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (RegiSCAR) help to establish the diagnosis through a score system based on clinical and laboratory findings. The first step to identify the culprit is a thorough clinical history that includes all suspects, emphasizing those most known to cause DRESS syndrome according to the context and the literature. A skin biopsy may also be helpful in the diagnostic process. Patch testing is the test of choice to search for the culprit in cases of DRESS. Regarding prognosis, the estimated mortality due to DRESS is 3.8%. The main causes of mortality include fulminant hepatitis and liver necrosis. Several indicators of poor prognosis have been identified and these include an eosinophil count above 6000 × 103/µL, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, leukocytosis and coagulopathy. This article aims to review the evidence available regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical and laboratory findings, diagnosis, and treatment of DRESS.