One-year Descriptive Analysis of Non Steroidal Antinflammatory Drugs Hypersensitivity In Our Allergy Department

Abstract

Non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) are the most frequent cause of allergic reactions to drugs followed by betalactams, and its prevalence is increasing. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of confirmed NSAIDs hypersensitivity reactions in our Allergy Department during a one year period (2004-2005). Descriptive analysis from our database of cases of NSAIDs hypersensitivity, whether selective or cross-intolerance, confirmed by skin testing or drug provocation test was performed. Age, sex, atopy, culprit drug, concomitant diseases, reaction type, time interval between drug intake and reaction, number of episodes and NSAIDs tolerance after the last reaction were recorded. One-hundred and eighty seven patients were diagnosed of NSAIDs allergy (61% female), mean age 38 ± 22 years. Drugs more frequently involved were metamizol (30%), ibuprofen (27%), aspirin (25%) and diclofenac (7%), most of them administered by oral route (92%). Time intervals were less than 1 hour in 61%, between 1 and 6 hours in 33% and over 24-48 hours in 6%. Severe reactions occurred in 61% of patients. Selective hypersensitivity was confirmed in 28% of patients and cross-intolerance to different NSAIDs in 72%. NSAIDs are a common cause of drug hypersensitivity in our area, being the cross-intolerance the most frequent diagnosis. Metamizol is still the most frequent drug involved although ibuprofen and aspirin are also involved in many cases.