Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs-induced hypersensitivity reactions

Abstract

The role of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in neurosurgical practice is a secondary one, however they are still constantly involved in perioperative management of pain or in nonoperative management of acute radiculopathy. Beside the well-known adverse reactions (ADRs), the neurosurgeon practitioner should also take in account the drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) of NSAIDs and be able to deal with it. The aim of this paper was to review the diagnostic and management steps for NSAIDs-induced Hypersensitivity Reactions. The actual stratification of NSAIDs-induced Hypersensitivity Reactions is based on understanding of the heterogeneity of immunological/non-immunological mechanisms of reactions and complexity of clinical manifestations. Practically, this stratification allows the physician to assess suspicion of DHR, based on anamnesis and clinical analysis, and to consider further practical steps to manage and eventually confirm the diagnosis. Drug allergies are considered only the DHRs for which a definite immunological mechanism (either drug-specific antibody or T cell) is demonstrated. In conclusion, clinical analysis and anamnesis of patient with NSAIDs-induced Hypersensitivity Reactions can be realized by any physician and could be enough to diagnose, but it is not sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. In vitro tests and oral provocation challenges may be necessary to be undertaken by an allergy specialist.