Occurrence Of Allergic Reactions Research Articles

Long-Term Adherence and Risk of Allergic Reactions in Patients Who Attained Milk Oral Immunotherapy Maintenance

BackgroundOral immunotherapy (OIT) has emerged as the most popular therapy for food allergy. However, data on the long-term adherence and efficacy of this approach are sparse. ObjectiveWe aimed to assess the long-term adherence rates to OIT protocol and the associated risk of allergic reactions. MethodsPatients who completed milk OIT and reached a maintenance dose of 200 ml of milk were surveyed biannually on their dairy consumption and occurrence of allergic reactions. A survival analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the risk of reaction and adherence to OIT maintenance protocol. ResultsThe cohort consisted of 50 patients. Only 56% of the cohort adhered to protocol, which consisted of ingesting a minimum of 200 ml of milk at least 3 times per week. Adherent patients had a significantly reduced risk of allergic reactions, as well as a reduced incidence of anaphylaxis, healthcare/ER visits, and epinephrine/antihistamine administration. ConclusionThe findings demonstrate the importance of consistent maintenance dose consumption in the management of food allergies, with regular milk consumption contributing to the maintenance of unresponsiveness and decreased risk of allergic symptoms.

Identification of potential hazards and analysis of critical control points in cultured meat (in vitro meat) production

The development of food technologies at the present stage is aimed at expanding the range of food raw materials, including alternative food sources. One of such sources is meat derived from in vitro stem cells or cultured meat. The stages of in vitro meat production could be divided into four blocks: preparation of raw materials, cultivation of cells in a nutrient medium, forming the final product and preparing meat for sale to the consumer. The cultured meat production process must be accompanied by the improvement, implementation and maintenance of procedures based on HACCP principles. However, the developed and approved HACCP system for the cultured meat production hasn't been found in the scientific literature. Given the prospects for cultured meat production, the development HACCP system for this area is feasible. In this regard, it is advisable to identify critical control points in production and identify the potential hazards of cultured meat to consumers for subsequent risk assessment. The aim of the study was to identify potential health hazards and analyze key control points in cultured meat production. Material and methods. Previously conducted studies on in vitro meat cultivation technologies, as well as Russian regulatory and technical documentation were used as initial data on the production processes of cultured meat and the risk associated with its production. The method of studying and critical analyzing relevant scientific sources devoted to the safety of cultured meat was applied. In total, more than 120 sources were studied, from which 30 relevant ones were selected. Results. The potential hazards associated with the consumption of cultured meat are due to physical, chemical and biological factors. In addition, the occurrence of allergic reactions is identified as a danger factor. An imbalance of amino acids in the diet may occur as a result of the consumption of novel food in a significant proportion (>50% of meat consumption). Ten critical control points have been identified, each of which is characterized by the action of potential hazard factors of a different nature. It has been established that the number of critical control points is the same at all stages of production, except for the formation of the final product. The characteristics of hazard factors, as well as information about the critical control points of these factors' action, determine the possibility of assessing the potential hazard (and further risk assessment) and choosing measures to manage them, which meets the requirements of GOST R ISO 22000-2019. Conclusion. Each of the identified types of hazard is not specific to a particular stage of in vitro meat production and can effect negatively at several critical control points. When organizing control (monitoring) of the safety of new type food, one should be guided by the Technical Regulations of the Custom Union "On the Safety of Food Products", according to which the manufacturer of foods (including novel foods) must develop, implement and comply with procedures based on the HACCP. The use of HACCP is relevant under inappropriate risk for consumer health. To assess the risk level, exposure assessment (a key step in risk assessment) should be carried out for each type of hazard factor. For these purposes, it is necessary to identify the potential risk group and determine the scenarios of cultured meat's consumption.

Allergic reactions to cephalosporin antibiotics in a 15-year-old population

Cephalosporin, along with penicillin, are among the least harmful antibiotics. It is widely prescribed for common infections such as bronchitis, otitis media, pneumonia and cellulitis. A contraindication for this agent is a history of penicillin allergy, due to possible cross-reactions of hypersensitivity to penicillin and cephalosporin. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur in any mode of administration and to almost all antibiotics. Hypersensitivity reactions to cephalosporin are very similar to those of penicillin. The purpose of the study was to determine whether exist reactions to cephalosporin in the study population, and to determine whether exist statistically significant differences in the occurrence of allergic reactions to cephalosporin between boys and girls of the same age and whether exist differences in the occurrence of allergic reactions between subjects in urban and rural areas. The sample consisted of 1605 respondents, the sample was randomly selected and stratified by sex, and all data were processed in the statistical program. The results of the research show that 9.1% of the total population of boys and girls aged 15 from the Tuzla Canton are allergic to some type of antibiotic. The percentage of allergic reactions to cephalosporin is statistically significantly higher in the total population of 15 - year - olds from suburban and urban settlements than among peers in rural areas. Allergic reactions to cephalosporin were not observed in the group of boys from urban and suburban settlements as well as girls from rural settlements. This research also showed that there are statistically significant differences in the occurrence of cephalosporin allergies between urban and rural respondents.

Allergic reactions to macrolide antibiotics in a 15-year-old population

Macrolides are antibiotics that can be used to treat various infections. Allergic reactions to macrolides are rare, but may include minor to severe skin reactions, as well as systemic life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis. Hypersensitivity reactions can occur in any mode of administration and to almost all antibiotics. The purpose of the study was to determine whether there are reactions to macrolides in the study population, and to determine statistically significant differences in the occurrence of allergic reactions to macrolides between boys and girls of the same age and whether there are differences in the occurrence of allergic reactions between respondents in urban and rural areas. The sample consists of 1605 respondents, the sample was randomly selected and stratified by sex, and all data were processed in the statistical program. The results of the research show that 9.1% of the total population of boys and girls aged 15 from the Tuzla Canton are allergic to some type of antibiotic. The percentage of allergic reactions in the total population of 15-year-olds from suburban settlements is slightly higher than among peers in urban areas, but the differences are not statistically significant. A higher rate of allergic reactions was recorded in the group of boys from urban and rural areas. Macrolide allergies were found only in a group of boys in rural areas. This study confirmed that allergies to macrolides are rare and revealed differences in the occurrence of allergic reactions between girls and boys.

Морфологические особенности тимуса в норме и при влиянии генно-модифицированного продукта в эксперименте

Воздействие ГМО на тимус приводит к избирательному поражению между паренхимой и стромой, вероятно в основе этих изменений лежит специфическая реакция тимуса в ответ на локальное введение ГМО, которое приводит к ослаблению иммунитета организма, возникновению аллергических реакций, формированию резистентности к антибиотикам, снижению эффективности лечения заболеваний, развитию патологий, связанных с процессом кумуляции в организме человека после употребления.

Efficacy and safety of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of patients with COVID-19

OBJECTIVES:The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has catastrophically threatened public health worldwide and presented great challenges for clinicians. To date, no specific drugs are available against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) appear to be a promising cell therapy owing to their potent modulatory effects on reducing and healing inflammation-induced lung and other tissue injuries. The present pilot study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential and safety of MSCs isolated from healthy cord tissues in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.METHODS:Twelve patients with COVID-19 treated with MSCs plus conventional therapy and 13 treated with conventional therapy alone (control) were included. The efficacy of MSC infusion was evaluated by changes in oxygenation index, clinical chemistry and hematology tests, immunoglobulin (Ig) levels, and pulmonary computerized tomography (CT) imaging. The safety of MSC infusion was evaluated based on the occurrence of allergic reactions and serious adverse events.RESULTS:The MSC-treated group demonstrated significantly improved oxygenation index. The area of pulmonary inflammation decreased significantly, and the CT number in the inflammatory area tended to be restored. Decreased IgM levels were also observed after MSC therapy. Laboratory biomarker levels at baseline and after therapy showed no significant changes in either the MSC-treated or control group.CONCLUSION:Intravenous infusion of MSCs in patients with COVID-19 was effective and well tolerated. Further studies involving a large cohort or randomized controlled trials are warranted.

MANUFACTURING OF FULL REMOVABLE LAMINAR DENTURES USING DIFFERENT GROUPS OF MATERIALS FOR DENTURE BASES AND THEIR COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS

Restoration of complete maxillary or mandibular adentia, despite the advances of dentistry nowadays, has always been and is still remaining one of the most challenging among the clinical issues of orthopedic dentistry. The effectiveness of a high-quality complete removable denture is largely predetermined by the properties of the denture base material. However, long experience in manufacturing the dentures has revealed a number of their disadvantages. The development of new denture base materials and their studies have been being carried out for many years. The aim of this work was to investigate the effectiveness of thermoplastic base material "Vertex ThermoSense" (Netherlands) and fluorine-containing acrylic plastic "Ftoraks" (Ukraine) used in manufacturing the dentures for edentulous patients who previously worn full removable dentures made of acrylic plastic over the past 3- 5 years. We examined and treated 43 patients with complete anodontia who went to the orthodontic clinic to order a new denture. We used fluorine-containing acrylic co-polymers "Ftorax" (Ukraine) and polyamide (nylon) "Vertex ThermoSense" (Netherlands), recommended by manufacturers for making removable dentures. We assessed the level subjective satisfaction with new dentures in different follow-up time intervals, checked the restoration of the chewing function in the patients using electromyographic techniques. Clinical findings obtained supported the superiority of Vertex ThermoSense thermoplastic material over fluorine-containing acrylic resins in terms of high functional quality and strength that facilitate the durability of these complete dentures. In addition, the denture base made of "Vertex ThermoSense" does not contain residual monomer, thereby preventing the occurrence of allergic reactions. The results of our work allow us to strongly recommend the material "Vertex ThermoSense" to implement into prosthodontic practice for manufacturing complete removable dentures.

The Incidence and Nature of Allergic and Anaphylactic Reactions During Pediatric Procedural Sedation: A Report From the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium.

Anaphylaxis is rare but life-threatening. Its incidence during pediatric procedural sedation outside of the operating room is unknown. We used data from the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium (PSRC) to determine the incidence and nature of allergic and anaphylactic reactions in this practice. A retrospective observational study of prospectively collected information in the PSRC's multicenter database was performed. Cases of allergic reaction were identified. Because anaphylaxis is not a listed complication in the PSRC database, all cases for which allergic reaction was noted were reviewed for the occurrence of other complications or interventions that would suggest at least 2 organ system derangements consistent with anaphylaxis as well as for practitioner commentary stating the occurrence of anaphylaxis. Descriptive analyses of demographic information and summary statistics were performed, and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between the occurrence of allergic reactions and medications. During the study period, 227 833 cases were entered into the PSRC database. There were 54 cases of allergic reaction (incidence 1:4219); 6 were consistent with anaphylaxis (incidence 1:37 972). A significant association between the development of allergic reaction and 4 sedative and/or analgesic medications was noted: midazolam (odds ratio [OR] 2.2; confidence interval [CI] 1.2-3.9), ketamine (OR 3.8; CI 2.1-7.1), methohexital (OR 48.8; CI 14.9-159.9), and morphine (OR 4.4; CI 1.04-18.2). There were no mortalities. Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis during pediatric procedural sedation are rare. In this study, the development of allergic reactions was significantly associated with the use of midazolam, ketamine, methohexital, and morphine.

Impact of Polymer Bioconjugation on Protein Stability and Activity Investigated with Discrete Conjugates: Alternatives to PEGylation.

Covalent attachment of synthetic polymers to proteins, known as protein-polymer conjugation, is currently one of the main approaches for improving the physicochemical properties of these biomolecules. The most commonly employed polymer is polyethylene glycol (PEG), as evidenced by extensive research and clinical track records for its use in biopharmaceuticals. However, the occurrence of allergic reactions or hypersensitivity and the discovery of PEG antibodies, on the one hand, and the rise of controlled polymerization techniques and novel monomers, on the other hand, have been driving the search for alternative polymers for bioconjugation. The present study describes the synthesis, purification, and properties of conjugates of lysozyme with poly( N-acryloylmorpholine) (PNAM) and poly(oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) (POEGMA). Particularly, conjugate species with distinct conjugation degrees are investigated for their residual activity, aggregation behavior, and solubility, by using a high-throughput screening approach. Our study showcases the importance of evaluating conjugates obtained by nonsite-specific modification through isolated species with discrete degrees of conjugation rather than on the batch level. Monovalent conjugates with relatively low molar mass polymers displayed equal or even higher activity than the native protein, while all conjugates showed an improved protein solubility. To achieve a comparable effect on solubility as with PEG, PNAM and POEGMA of higher molar masses were required.

ASSESSING THE POSSIBILITY TO APPLY THE FIBRIN GLuE BY CORd BLOOd PLASMA AS A SCAFFOLd FOR MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS TRANSPLANTATION

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and pre-chondrocytes (MSK-Ch) derived from them are an ef- fective tool for the restoration and maintenance of joint cartilage. This approach is based on the use of MSCs as a) chondrocyte precursor to form a cartilaginous implant, b) producing a large number of bioactive factors in the area of implantation. delivery of MSC and MSC-Ch into the damaged joint can be achieved by the implantation of scaffold with cells to ensure retention of the cells at the injection site and an additional supply of cells of biologically active substances.Scaffold based on fibrin glue (FG) are promising because of the high biocompatibility, biodegrad- ability, ease of use. FG cryoprecipitate of autologous plasma (Au-FG) patient or allogeneic umbili- cal cord blood plasma (uCB-FG) in some cases may be regarded as a preferred embodiment of ready commercial products. The advantages of the Au-FG are to minimize the side effects, risks of infection and the occurrence of allergic reactions, availability and reduced cost of the procedure. uCB-FG is enriched with biologically active substances and derived from byproduct during collection stem cells from the cord blood.We have developed a protocol that allows to obtain FG in a closed system throughout the entire process of blood sampling until the transplant procedure, which makes it possible clinical application of the Au-FG and uCB-FG. Also shown that cultivation in Au-FG and uCB-FG does not change the immunophenotype of cells and the level of their proliferation and has a stimulating effect on chondro- genic differentiation.

Tolerability of intracameral cefuroxime during cataract surgery in case of penicillin allergy

Since the results of the ESCRS study in 2007 and then the AFSSAPS recommendations of 2011, postoperative endophthalmitis prophylaxis in cataract surgery has evolved toward intracameral cefuroxime. Penicillin allergy is frequent and is not considered as a contra-indication to cefuroxime injection, but cross-reactions do exist. The goal of this study was to assess the tolerability of intracameral cefuroxime in patients with a penicillin allergy. In this monocentric open prospective study, adult patients undergoing cataract surgery and declaring themselves penicillin-allergic were included. A subcutaneous test of cefuroxime was performed preoperatively. If negative, patients received the intracameral injection of cefuroxime at the conclusion of the surgical procedure. The primary assessment criteria, evaluated on the day after the surgery, was the occurrence of allergic reactions. Forty-eight eyes of 40 patients, 72 ± 8 years old, were included. Forty-three skin tests were performed: 1 was positive and one was unreliable. Thirty-six patients were examined in our center the day after the surgery: 2 presented a conjunctival allergic reaction. No severe anaphylactic reaction was reported. Of our patients, 95.3% declaring a penicillin allergy had a negative pre-operative cefuroxime test. According to literature, 80 to 90% of presumed penicillin allergic patients would not actually be allergic to cefuroxime. In our population, we reported 2 benign conjunctival cross-reactions. Intracameral cefuroxime injection during cataract surgery seems well-tolerated in penicillin-allergic patients with a negative preoperative skin test.

Microbiote cutané et dermatite atopique : vers une nouvelle prise en charge thérapeutique ?

The skin in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) is constantly colonized by S. aureus, in part due to a deficit in epidermal antimicrobial peptides. S. aureus can cause secondary infections but is also involved in the occurrence and severity of the inflammatory flares of AD. Thus, the diversity of skin microbiota is abnormal in AD. Dynamic studies of the microbiota showed that the prevalence of staphylococcae sp. is further increased during flares of AD. This dysbiosis leads to an increase in inflammatory reactions in which staphylococcal toxins play an important role. Changes in the gut microbiota also play a role in the early maturation of the immune system and the occurrence of allergic reactions. Attempts in the modulation of skin microbiota have recently been made showing that a cream containing a lysate of a non pathogenic Gram negative bacteria, V. filiformis, is capable of improving the manifestations of AD. These effects may be driven by a regulation of skin innate immunity through Toll like receptors (TLR-2), the secretion of IL-10 and the induction of regulatory T cells.

Shuxuetong injection-based on nested case-control study of blood through injection suspect allergic reaction influencing factors

To understand the real world Shuxuetong injection suspicious allergic factors. National 18 hospitals of the hospital information system using Shuxuetong data, using design methods retrospective nested case-control, and contrast using Shuxuetong after the occurrence of allergic reactions in patients with non-allergic patients differences in age, gender, admission illness, allergies, etc. Based on available data, indicate suspicious allergies affect Shuxuetong factors may be hospitalized illness, solvent, single dose, concomitant medications. When using Shuxuetong for critically ill patients should use caution and pay attention to solvents, dose, combination therapy of choice clinically. Conclusions of this study need further study to be verified.

HLA-DRB1*07:01 Is Associated With Asparaginase Allergies In Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

HLA-DRB1*07:01 Is Associated With Asparaginase Allergies In Children With Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Efficacy and safety of the long-term administration of low-molecular-weight heparins in pregnancy

Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism, which probably varies according to the presence of single or multiple thrombophilic defects. Acquired or inherited thrombophilia is moreover associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy. For this reason, in the past, pregnant women at risk of venous thromboembolism or pregnancyes have been treated with oral anticoagulants or unfractionated heparin. Both of them are associated with fetal or maternal side effects. Low-molecular-weight heparins (LMWHs) offer several advantages, but they have no or only partial indication for use in pregnancy in many countries. We have prospectively evaluated 114 patients and overall 130 pregnancies treated with prophylactic or therapeutic LMWHs from January 2004 to February 2007. The occurrence of allergic reactions, hemorrhagic episodes, low platelet count, pathological fractures, thromboembolic events and adverse outcomes in pregnancy were considered. There was a significant difference in pregnancy outcome following prophylaxis with LMWHs (chi2 P < 0.0001) and the absolute and the relative risks were significantly decreased in the patients with treated pregnancy compared with those with previous untreated pregnancies. Moreover, in our series of patients, the long-term use of LMWH in pregnancy was confirmed well tolerated, with the rate of adverse effects, though very low, comparable with that in literature. Our experience confirms the safety and the efficacy of LMWH but suggests the need of randomized controlled trials.

GRASPALL 2005.01 Clinical Study: L-Asparaginase Loaded into Red Blood Cells Is Effective at Depleting Serum Asparagine in Children and Adults with Relapsed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL)

L-asparaginase has been a mainstay of ALL treatment since decades and its efficacy has been demonstrated in a broad range of patient's profiles. However its use has been hampered by frequent and/or significant toxicities, of which allergic reactions take a prominent place. In addition, loss of enzymatic efficacy, the so called “silent inactivation” may be observed as a consequence of the production of symptom-free serum antibodies directed to the asparaginase moiety and blocking its pharmacological activity. L-asparaginase loaded into homologous red blood cells (GRASPA) has been proposed as a new approach to maintain the complete activity of L-asparaginase while reducing its antibody mediated tolerability. In GRASPA, the red blood cells (RBC) act as a microbioreactor and protect the enzyme against circulating antibodies. Plasmatic asparagine diffuses through the RBC membrane to the intra cellular compartment where it is cleaved by the entrapped L-asparaginase. In addition encapsulation into RBC has been shown to extend the duration of action of drugs allowing a reduction in the number of injections.GRASPALL 2005–01 is a randomized, active controlled, dose comparison study whose first objective is to assess the efficacy (defined as asparagine depletion ≤ 2μMol/L) of 3 doses of GRASPA given in double blind, during salvage therapy in children and adults with relapsed ALL. Patients who experienced severe allergy to L-asparaginase during the first line chemotherapy were excluded from the study.Twenty-four patients from 13 French centers, including 12 children (mean age, 8 years; range, 5–17) and 12 adults (mean age, 29 years; range, 19– 47) entered the trial from February 2006 to April 2008. Patients were randomized between either native E. Coli L-asparaginase (8 ×10 000 IU/m2/infusion) or GRASPA 50, 100 or 150 IU/kg (one single infusion).The backbone chemotherapy was based on the COPRALL protocol, a FRALLE and EORTC joint protocol for relapse.The results regarding the efficacy and safety of GRASPA therapy are reported herein. The mean time of asparagine depletion ranged from 6 to 11.3 days, 6.2 to 11.9 days, and 14.6 to 22.5 days in the GRASPA 50, 100 and 150 IU/kg groups, respectively. For one patient receiving GRASPA 150UI/kg, the depletion exceeded 40 days. Overall, the mean duration of depletion and the proportion of patients with effective depletion over time with only one single infusion of GRASPA at a dose of 150 UI/kg was similar to what was observed with 8 infusions of native E. Coli asparaginase at a dose of 10 000 IU/ m2. Treatment withdrawals during the study (defined as asparagine > 2μMol/L at D7 of the GRASPA infusion or any safety reason preventing study treatment reintroduction) occurred in 4/6 patients (67%) in the native E. Coli asparaginase group and 5/18 patients (28%) in the GRASPA groups. Out of these, two severe allergic reactions, including one life-threatening case, one non serious allergic reaction and one severe thrombosis were observed in the native E. Coli asparaginase group. Two asparagine > 2μMol/L at D7 , one pancreatitis, one transient elevation of pancreatic enzymes and one pulmonary aspergillosis were reported in the GRASPA group.GRASPA is an effective therapy for depleting asparagine from the serum in children and adults with relapsed ALL. One single infusion of 150 IU/kg yielded to achieve a sustained depletion comparable with that observed with standard L-asparaginase therapy, but with a much better safety profile, especially regarding occurrence of allergic reactions, suggesting a better application of the therapeutic schedule. These results warrant future studies in allergic patients. [NCT00723346]

Preventive approach to allergic reaction to oxaliplatin

14569 Background: Allergic reaction to oxaliplatin is a chronic adverse event in the treatment of cancer. Patients with colorectal cancer were given FOLFOX4, using preventive approaches composed of two steps. Methods: Step I included 40 mg famotidine, 8 mg dexamethasone from the first cycle and 50 mg of diphenhydramine after cycle 4. In step II, for the patients who had a reaction but not a severe one in step I, a 20 mg dose of dexamethasone and four-hour oxaliplatin infusion were administered. Results: Forty-eight patients (15.1%) presented with allergic reaction, divided into group A receiving step I except diphenhydramine and B undergoing all of step I. Significant delay on occurrence was observed in group B. Thirty patients underwent step II. Prevention success (well-prevented) was defined as no reaction in two or more treatments. Allergic reaction appeared again in eleven patients (not well-prevented, 36.7%), but most well-prevented patients got four months longer treatment time with no reaction than not well-prevented patients. Conclusions: In our preventive approach, administration of H-1RA was effective in delaying the occurrence of allergic reaction to oxaliplatin, and increased dose of dexamethasone 20 mg and prolongation of oxaliplatin infusion from 2 to 4 hours was succeeded in continuing the FOLFOX4. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Difference in Risks of Allergic Reaction to Sulfonamide Drugs Based on Chemical Structure

The chemical structure of sulfonamide antibiotics and sulfonamide nonantibiotics can affect the potential for adverse reactions. To assess whether differences in chemical structure of the various sulfonamide drugs influence the risk of allergic events. A case-control study was conducted among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) using data from the General Practice Research Database. Cases were defined as patients with a diagnosis of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. The date of the last event was the index date. Controls were matched on practice, type of DM, and index date. Current use of sulfonamides was defined as use in a 14 day time window before the index date. Sulfonamides were classified according to the presence/absence of an N1 substituent (N1(+)/(-)) and/or an arylamine (N4(+)/(-)). Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate strength of association and expressed as odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Overall, current use of N1(+) N4(+) sulfonamide drugs was associated with the outcome (adjusted OR 3.71; 95% CI 1.40 to 9.81). Current use of N1(+) N4(-) and N1(-) N4(-) sulfonamide drugs was also associated with the occurrence of allergic reactions, although not as strongly: adjusted OR 2.48 (95% CI 2.12 to 2.89) and 2.07 (95% CI 1.74 to 2.46), respectively. Sex and age seemed to be effect modifiers. There was no clear evidence for effect modification by immune disease state. Although we did not identify major differences between the groups, we believe that this approach is an innovative manner to examine adverse drug reactions by using chemical structure instead of therapeutic drug classes to classify exposure.

Zunahme der Inzidenz von Wespenstichen im HNO-Bereich

Wasp sting injuries can be lethal due to generalized reactions and edematous obstruction of the upper respiratory system. Due to media reports and our own observations, the consequences of the 2004 "plague of wasps" should be examined for the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) region. Wasp sting injuries treated during the years 2002 to 2004 were evaluated in a retrospective study with respect to frequency, localization, therapy, occurrence of allergic reactions, and other complications. In 2002 to 2004, the number of patients with wasp sting injuries tripled. The occurrence of stings in the ENT region increased from 20% to more than 40%, with a strong rise in enoral and endolaryngeal stings after accidental swallowing or inhalation of wasps. The medical treatments employed proved the existence of sufficient therapeutic strategies. The treatments demonstrate a clear increase in wasp sting injuries in the year 2004. The main climatic cause was the European record summer of 2003, in which wasps multiplied.

Kontaktallergene der Standardreihe von 1980–2004 an der Universitätshautklinik Aachen

Allergic contact dermatitis is a common disease whose specific therapy is avoidance of allergens. It is critical to identify frequency of occurrence of allergic reactions to initiate preventive measures (e.g. elimination of substances with an especially high allergic potential). This study analyzes results of patch testing performed between 1980 and 1993 at the University Clinic of the RWTH Aachen. Additionally, age and sex-related distribution was evaluated. The data is compared to published patch test results covering the years 1995-2001 and patch test results from 2004 in the University Clinic Aachen.