Positive Skin Test Research Articles

A 17-Year-old Boy With Nodular Lesions in the Thyroid and Lymphadenopathy.

A 17-Year-old Boy With Nodular Lesions in the Thyroid and Lymphadenopathy.

75% negative skin test results in patients with suspected hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics: Influencing factors and interpretation of test results

BackgroundThe diagnostic approach for beta-lactam (BL) drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHR) is based on the history, clinical signs, skin tests (ST), in vitro tests, and drug provocation tests (DPT). The aim of this study was to assess the performance of an allergy workup with ST in a real-world use. MethodsIn this cross-sectional study the rate of positive ST in subjects with suspected DHR to penicillins and cephalosporins was investigated. Of special interest were correlations of ST positivity: 1) to the time intervals between index reaction and the allergic work-up, 2) time interval from drug exposure to the onset of signs, 3) pattern of manifestation in delayed DHR and involvement of test area in the index reaction, and 4) potential advantage of patch testing in delayed DHR. Results175 patients were included between January 2018 and April 2019 (63.4% female), 45 (25.7%) with immediate DHR manifestation and 130 with delayed DHR manifestation (74.3%). A total of 44 patients (25.1%) had a positive ST (immediate DHR 37.8% versus 20.0% in delayed DHR). ST positivity decreased in both groups after 3 years from 47.8% [95%CI 29.2–67] to 23.5% [95%CI 9.6–47.3] in immediate DHR and 23.0% [95%CI 15-4-32.9] to 12.9% [95%CI 5.1–28.9] in delayed DHR. The proportion of positive ST was higher in patients with more severe forms of delayed DHR, and in subjects with a shorter latency period of onset of symptoms after drug exposure: 0-3d: 29.5% [95%CI 19.6–41.9] vs. >3d: 11.6% [95%CI 6.0–21.2]). No sensitization was shown in delayed urticaria or angioedema. ST done outside the skin area involved during the index reaction were negative in all cases (0/38 vs. 26/84 in cases with involved area). The combination of patch test and intradermal test (IDT) revealed an additional positive result in 2/77 cases. Additional in vitro testing reduced the proportion of negative test results to 72%. ConclusionIn most patients with negative test results, we could not clarify the cause of the BL-associated adverse events even with further investigations (including DPT). How to prevent new drug-induced adverse events in such patients has hardly been investigated yet. Corresponding cohort studies could improve the data situation.

Prediction Tool to Identify Children at Highest Risk of Tuberculosis Disease Progression Among Those Exposed at Home.

BackgroundThere is a dearth of research to understand which children, among those who are exposed at home to tuberculosis (TB), are at the highest risk of TB disease, to tailor care. We sought to identify predictors of TB progression in children.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study of children living with adults with pulmonary TB in Lima, Peru (2009–2012). We applied classification and regression tree analysis to examine potential predictors of incident TB disease during 12 months in 3 age groups (0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years). We calculated the relative risk (RR) for top predictors in each age group.ResultsAmong 4545 children 0–14 years old, 156 (3.4%) were diagnosed with TB within 1 year of household exposure to TB (3.4%, 2.3%, and 4.7% in children 0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years old, respectively). The most important predictor of TB was having a positive tuberculin skin test (TST) result, with RRs of 6.6 (95% CI, 4.0–10.7), 6.6 (95% CI, 3.2–13.6), and 5.2 (95% CI, 3.0–9.0) in the age groups 0–4, 5–9, and 10–14 years, respectively. In young children with a positive TST, not using isoniazid preventive treatment further increased risk of disease (RR, 12.2 [95% CI, 3.8–39.2]).ConclusionsWe present a tool that identifies child household contacts at high risk of TB disease progression based on data collected during contact tracing. In addition to the use of TB preventive therapy for all children exposed at home to TB, those children at highest risk of progressing to TB disease may benefit from more frequent follow-up.

The value of the basophil activation test in the evaluation of patients reporting allergic reactions to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

BackgroundmRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccines have been reported to induce hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) in a small number of individuals. We aimed to evaluate the real‐world incidence of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine HSR and to determine the value of the basophil activation test (BAT) in the allergological workup of patients reporting these reactions.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled patients with a clinical history indicative of HSR to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine. The allergological workup included skin testing (STs) and BAT with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the vaccine. In those with negative allergy assessments, the administration of the second dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine was offered.ResultsSeventeen adults were included. Eleven cases (64.7%) tested negative in the allergological workup and tolerated the re‐administration of the second dose of the vaccine and considered non‐allergic. Six cases (35.3%) were considered allergic and classified into three groups: 2 subjects displayed positive STs and/or BAT to PEG (Group A), two individuals displayed positive BAT to the vaccine (Group B), and in 2 patients with moderate or severe reactions, the culprit was not identified, tested negative to STs and BAT to both PEG and vaccine (Group C). We further evaluated the value of BAT when the results were positive to the vaccine and negative to PEG by performing BAT in controls groups, finding positive BAT results in 50% of controls, all of them recovered from COVID‐19 infection. In contrast, BAT was negative in patients who had not suffered from COVID‐19 disease.ConclusionsBAT can be used as a potential diagnostic tool for confirming allergy to PEG excipient but not to the vaccine as a positive result in BAT may indicate a past COVID‐19 infection instead of an allergy.

The Majority of Children Sensitized Before School-Age Develop Allergic Disease Before Adulthood: A Longitudinal Population-Based Study

Allergic sensitization increases the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis, but the impact of age at onset of sensitization is less studied. To examine the cumulative incidence of asthma and rhinitis up to age 19 years in relation to age at onset of sensitization to airborne allergens. All children in grade 1 and 2 (median age, 8 years) in 2 municipalities in Northern Sweden were invited to undergo skin prick tests and answer a questionnaire about allergic diseases, and 88% participated. At ages 12 and 19 years, the protocol was repeated, and 1510 individuals participated in all 3 examinations. Specific IgE data were collected in a random sample at age 19 years (n= 770). Onset of sensitization was defined: 8 years or less, 8 to 12 years, 12 to 19 years, and never sensitized. Adjusted Poisson regression was used to calculate risk ratios (RRs). At 19 years, those sensitized at 8 years of age or earlier had the highest risk of asthma (RR, 4.68; 95% CI, 3.15-6.97) and rhinitis (RR, 22.3; 95% CI, 13.3-37.6), and 84% had developed either asthma or rhinitis. The combination of sensitization at age 8 years or earlier and family history of allergic diseases rendered high risks for asthma (RR, 10.6; 95% CI, 6.71-16.7) and rhinitis (RR, 36.3; 95% CI, 18.9-69.7). Individuals sensitized at age 8 years or earlier showed significantly highest level of sensitization, as judged by number of positive skin test results and titers of specific IgE. Most individuals with sensitization at age 8 years or earlier developed asthma or rhinitis before young adulthood. The high level of sensitization in those sensitized early contributes to the high incidence of allergic airway conditions.

MRNA COVID-19 vaccine safety in patients with previous immediate hypersensitivity to pegaspargase

mRNA COVID-19 vaccine safety in patients with previous immediate hypersensitivity to pegaspargase

Allergy Evaluation under X-Ray Exposition in Patients with Failed or Upcoming Arthroplasty

Nowadays metal implants are a major source of metal exposure. Contact allergy to nickel, cobalt and chromium is one of the most prevalent allergic reactions in humans with contact dermatitis; up to 17% of women and 3% of men. Setting up the sensitization to implant components is needed before orthopedic surgeon. Patch testing remains the gold standard for verification a for type IV reaction of metal, bone cement, or antibiotic. We assessed the records of all 22 patients, whom we followed up since orthopedic intervention or were indicated for such intervention. All patients were exposed to X-ray after placement of epicutaneous tests. X-ray exposure may have influence on positive skin test results- odds ratio 0.56 [95% confidence interval 0.16393 - 1.91031].

MAKING PREGNANCY A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS INFECTION : A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background : Eleven million Americans, representing 4% of the U.S. general population, are estimated to have latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). In countries with low TB incidence, immigrant from higher incidence countries form the major pool of infected individuals. To understand the prevalence, screening and management of TBI in pregnancy. Methods : A systematic review of 4 databases (Embase, Embase Classic, Medline, Cochrane Library) covering articles published from January 1st 2010 to April 30th 2018. Articles in English with relevant information on prevalence, screening strategies and treatment of TBI during pregnancy were eligible for inclusion. Results : Of 193 titles initially identified, 108 abstracts were eligible for review. Of these, 86 articles qualified for full text review and 22 were retained: 3 cohort studies, 2 case-control studies, and 17 cross-sectional studies. In the USA, the estimated prevalence of TBI ranged from 14 to 48% in women tested, and tuberculin skin test (TST) positivity was associated with ethnicity. The proportion of women who attended follow-up visits after positive tuberculin tests varied from 14 to 69%, while 5 to 42% of those who attended follow-up visits completed a minimum of 6 months of isoniazid treatment. One study raised the possibility of an association of pregnancy/post-partum state with INH hepatitis (risk ratio 2,5, 95% CI 0.8–8.2) and fatal hepatotoxicity (rate ratio 4.0, 95% CI 0.2–258). One study deemed INH safe during breastfeeding based on peak concentrations in plasma and breast milk after INH administration. Conclusion : Pregnancy is an opportunity to screen for TBI. Interferongamma release assays are likely comparable to tuberculin skin tests and may be used during pregnancy. Efforts should be made to improve adherence with follow-up and treatment post-partum. Further data are needed with respect to safety and feasibility of antepartum INH therapy, and with respect to alternative treatment regimens.

Frequency of positivity of the tuberculin intradermorreaction test in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ResumenIntroducción. La artritis reumatoide es una enfermedad autoinmunitaria, crónica y deformante asociada con discapacidad. Quienes la padecen reciben inmunosupresores y tienen un gran riesgo de desarrollar tuberculosis. La prueba de intradermorreacción a la tuberculina se utiliza como tamización en quienes van a recibir terapia biológica. Objetivo. Evaluar la frecuencia de positividad en la prueba de intradermorreacción a la tuberculina en una cohorte de pacientes con artritis reumatoide.Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal de una cohorte de pacientes con artritis reumatoide a quienes se les practicó la prueba de tuberculina antes de iniciar la terapia biológica o en el momento del cambio de tratamiento. Los pacientes presentaban enfermedad moderada o grave y eran candidatos para iniciar o cambiar de terapia biológica. Se definió el valor de ≥6 mm como punto de corte para la positividad de la prueba y se hizo un análisis descriptivo de cada una de las variables. Resultados. Se incluyeron 261 pacientes con artritis reumatoide, 92 % de ellos eran mujeres, la edad promedio fue de 55 años (desviación estándar, DE=13,92) y el tiempo desde el diagnóstico era de 12,3 años (DE=8,54). La frecuencia de positividad de la prueba fue de 15,71 % (n=41). Nueve de los 41 pacientes positivos habían recibido la prueba previamente (entre 1 y 6 años antes), todos con resultado negativo; 18 (43,9 %) de ellos venían recibiendo tratamiento con glucocorticoides y todos los 41 (100 %) recibían metotrexate. Conclusiones. La frecuencia de positividad de la prueba de tuberculina en pacientes colombianos con artritis reumatoide fue de aproximadamente 16 %. Se recomienda optimizar las estrategias para detectar esta condición y darle un tratamiento oportuno y, así, disminuir el riesgo de reactivación de la tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis incidence in patients with human immunodeficiency virus, treated with isoniazid for latent tuberculosis infection

Tuberculosis is the leading cause of death amongst adults with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The lifetime risk of tuberculosis disease for a person with latent infection is estimated at 5-10% with most cases occurring within five years of initial infection. The World Health Organization recommends isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for latent tuberculosis treatment, amongst other strategies. The aim was to assess tuberculosis incidence, survival (free of tuberculosis) and associated factors in HIV-positive patients. IPT was offered to participants with a positive (≥5mm) tuberculin skin test. Participants were followed from February 2003-December 2016. Kaplan-Meier was used for survival analysis. Variables with p-value ≤ 0.2 in the univariate analysis entered into the multivariate Cox-Model, keeping those with p-value ≤ 0.05. The 95% confidence interval of incidence of tuberculosis was estimated using Poisson distribution. One hundred nineteen patients completed the IPT and were followed for a median duration of 110.7 months (IQR 93.1-121.0). The probability of developing tuberculosis (10 years post-IPT) was 5.4%. Tuberculosis incidence was 0.58/100 patient/years (CI 95% 0.213-1.264). IPT over 6 months provided long-term protection against tuberculosis. AIDS-defining illness was the only statistically significant variable (HR=5.67) in the multivariate model.KEY WORDS: Latent tuberculosis; HIV; isoniazid; survival analysis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Kidney and Liver Transplant Recipients in Iranian Candidates for Transplant.

The rates of tuberculosis and its mortality are higher in solid-organ transplant recipients than in the general population. In this study, we compared the rate of active tuberculosis disease conversion in solid organ transplant recipients based on pretransplant tuberculin skin test results and also its association with treatment. This cross-sectional study included kidney/liver transplant recipients who had pretransplant tuberculin skin test indurations of ≥5 mm and who were seen from March 2009 to March 2019 at the Shiraz Nemazi Hospital Transplant Center (Shiraz, Iran). Data were analyzed using SPSS software, and P < .05 was considered significant. Of 6289 solid-organ transplant recipients seen at our center over the 10-year period, 334 recipients (mean age of 46.0 ± 13.8 years; 67.6% men) had tuberculin skin test indurations of ≥5 mm. Of these 334 recipients, 76.3% had kidney transplant, and the remainder had liver transplant. Of patients who received complete treatment for latent tuberculosis, the rate of conversion to active tuberculosis was lower than in those who did not adhere to medication (8.6% vs 43.7%; P < .001). In addition, the rate of active tuberculosis development was higher in patients who had pretransplant tuberculin skin tests results of ≥10 mm compared with those who had results of 5 to 9 mm (15.8% vs 3.4%; P < .001). Latent tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment before solid-organ transplant can reduce active tuberculosis conversion and its associated morbidity and mortality. We recommend modifying the cutoff point considered for tuberculin skin test positivity for solid-organ transplant candidates in Iran to ≥10 mm, although further evaluations are needed.

The Association Between Paranasal Mucous Retention Cysts and Allergic Sensitization

ABSTRACT Objective: Although there is no consensus regarding the etiology of paranasal mucous retention cysts (MRCs) in the literature, several studies suggest an allergic etiology. This study aimed to investigate a potential association between paranasal MRCs diagnosed with MRI scans and allergic sensitization in the pediatric population. Materials and Methods: A total of 4559 MRI scans were retrospectively evaluated for MRC in patients who presented to the pediatric neurology outpatient clinic with headache complaints. Fifty children with MRI findings conclusive for paranasal MRC and 50 children without such findings were included in the study. All study and control patients were invited for atopy/allergy evaluation. Total IgE measurements, blood eosinophil levels, nasal smear and skin prick tests were performed to evaluate the allergic status of the children. In addition, an allergic rhinitis symptom questionnaire was administered. Results: The mean age was 13.0±2.8 years (median 14 y, range 6-18 y) with a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1 in the study group. The prevalence of MRC was found to be 1.1% (50 in 4559). The two groups did not differ with regard to the frequency of blood eosinophilia, nasal eosinophilia, serum IgE levels, and allergic rhinitis symptom severity (p&gt;0.05). Positive skin test for at least one of the allergens tested was more common in the MRC group than the controls (40% vs. 16%, p=0.007). Multivariate analysis identified that a positive skin prick test for at least one allergen was a significant independent predictor of MRC (OR, 4.6; 95% CI 1.2-17.0, p=0.023). Conclusion: Our study showed that paranasal MRCs were significantly more frequent in atopic children compared to controls. Additionally, MRCs were found to be strongly associated with allergic sensitization. Keywords: Cysts, allergic rhinitis, children, diagnostic tests, signs and symptoms

The Role of Skin Tests and Premedication in Radiocontrast Media Hypersensitivity: A Clinical Dilemma

ABSTRACT Objective: Controversies continue over the diagnostic approach, prediction, and premedication in radiocontrast media (RCM) hypersensitivity. One of the most important problems encountered in daily clinical practice is that patients do not recall which contrast agent has been used in previous exposures. Also, in most cases, the details of the reaction have not been recorded. Therefore, difficulties are experienced in decision-making about skin testing and premedication in patients who are suspected of RCM hypersensitivity. To assess the clinical value of skin tests and premedication in RCM hypersensitivity. Materials and Methods: A retrospective evaluation was made of the medical records of patients between October 2014 and December 2019. The skin tests were performed with the culprit agent if it was known, otherwise, with iohexol, one of the most commonly used RCM in Turkey. As premedication, oral methylprednisolone 40 mg 13-7-1 hours before the procedure and oral pheniramine 22.7 mg 1 hour before the procedure were prescribed. Results: A total of 41 patients were evaluated (32 females and 9 males). Of the reactions, 35 (85.4%) were immediate and 6 (14.6%) were non-immediate. Three (7.3%) had a positive intradermal test result. It was determined that 20 patients (17 immediate, 3 non- immediate), required imaging with RCM again. Of these, 18 received premedication and two did not, although it was recommended. Of the patients who received premedication, one (5.5%) had an urticarial reaction of the same grade, while both patients (100%) who did not receive premedication developed an immediate allergic reaction that was of a similar grade to that of the previous reaction. Conclusion: Skin test positivity for RCM was observed at low rates. In cases with negative skin tests and when the culprit drug cannot be identified, re-exposure to alternative RCM under premedication may reduce the risk of the reaction. Keywords: Allergy, iodinated contrast media, iobitridol, iohexol, premedication

The Diagnostic Value of Urinary Secretory Antigen Target of 6 kDa in Childhood Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Introduction. Childhood tuberculosis (TB) is difficult to diagnosed and is based together on clinical and microbiology examinations. Since in children signs and symptoms of TB are not typical and sputum is difficult to be obtained, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigen detection could be considered as a non invasive method for early detection of childhood TB. ESAT-6 is a low molecular weight specific protein that plays an important role in Mtb virulence. Aim. To determine the diagnostic value of urinary ESAT-6 for the diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis. Methodology.This was a cross-sectional study, with consecutive sampling collection . in children aging between 0-14 years suspected for pulmonary TB based on the clinical presence of :cough lasting more than 2 weeks, fever without clear ethiology, loss of body weight or poor weight gain, fatigue, malaise with positive history of contact with sputum smear from adult TB patients. Diagnosis of pulmonary TB was based on clinical presentation plus tuberculin positive skin test, chest x-ray, AFB staining and/or sputum culture. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria but unconfirmed by clinical and microbiological were considered as control (non-TB group). Urinary ESAT-6 level was analyzed by using ELISA. Cut off value and AUC was determined using ROC Statistical Analysis (SPSS 20.0). Sensitivity and specificity was measured from 2x2 crosstable. Result. Between the 61 studied children with suspected TB, 46/61 (75%) were finally diagnosed with TB, with 34/46 (74%) microbiologically confirmed cases either by sputum microscopy 31/34 (91%) or culture 3/34 (9%), whereas 15/61 (25%) subjects were not-confirmed cases (non-TB group). The mean value of urinary ESAT-6 level was higher in TB than non-TB group, Mean (SD) [4.855(6.714)] ng/mLvs [1.503(0.946)] ng/mL; p=&lt;0.001(Mann-Whitney test). At ROC curve analysis ,the cut off value of urinary ESAT-6 in subjects TB confirmed both with clinical plus microbiology evaluation as reference standard was 1,91 ng/mL, with sensitivity 72% and specificity 67%. While the cut off value of ESAT-6 in TB subjects confirmed group only by clinical signs was 2.45 ng/mL, with sensitivity 65% and specificity 67%. Conclusion. For TB Diagnosis in Children, Urinary ESAT-6 urine could be considered of value when utilized in addition to microbiological tests and clinical examination.

Subjects develop tolerance to Pru p 3 but respiratory allergy to Pru p 9: A large study group from a peach exposed population.

Peach tree allergens are present in fruit, pollen, branches, and leaves, and can induce systemic, respiratory, cutaneous, and gastrointestinal symptoms. We studied the capacity of peach fruit/Pru p 1, Pru p 3, Pru p 4, Pru p 7 and peach pollen/Pru p 9 for inducing symptoms following oral or respiratory exposure in a large group of subjects. We included 716 adults (aged 21 to 83 y.o.) exposed to peach tree pollen and fruit intake in the study population. Participants completed a questionnaire and were skin tested with a panel of inhalant and food allergens, including peach tree pollen, Pru p 9 and peach fruit skin extract. Immunoglobulin E antibodies (SIgE) to Pru p 1, Pru p 3, Pru p 4 and Pru p 7 were quantified. Sensitised subjects underwent oral food challenge with peach fruit and nasal provocation test with peach tree pollen and Pru p 9. The prevalence of sensitisation to peach fruit was 5% and most of these had SIgE to Pru p 3, with a very low proportion to Pru p 4 SIgE and no SIgE to Pru p 1 and Pru p 7. In only 1.8%, anaphylaxis was the clinical entity induced. Cases with positive skin tests to peach and SIgE to Pru p 3 presented a good tolerance after oral challenge with peach fruit. The prevalence of skin sensitisation to peach tree pollen was 22%, with almost half recognising Pru p 9. This induced respiratory symptoms in those evaluated by nasal provocation. In a large population group exposed to peach fruit and peach tree pollen, most individuals were tolerant, even in those with SIgE to Pru p 3. A positive response to Pru p 9 was associated with respiratory allergy.

Autoimmune Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria Detection with IgG Anti-TPO and Total IgE

Autoimmune chronic spontaneous urticaria (aiCSU) comes with high disease activity and poor response to treatment. Recently, elevated levels of IgG anti-thyroid peroxidase (aTPO) and low levels of total IgE were reported to be common in aiCSU. To investigate how high aTPO and low IgE individually and combined are linked to features of aiCSU, including treatment responses. We analyzed records of patients with CSU from 2 independent cohorts (n= 1120) for demographic, clinical, and laboratory parameters and treatment responses. Total IgE and aTPO were measured, and 4 markers of aiCSU were analyzed: autologous serum skin test, basophil activation test (BAT), and blood eosinophil and basophil counts. Cutoff values were greater than or equal to 34 kU/L (high aTPO) and less than 40 IU/mL (low total IgE). One of 10 patients with CSU had both high aTPO and low IgE (aTPO↑IgE↓, 11%, n= 123). aTPO↑IgE↓ was linked to higher age at CSU onset, being female, angioedema, and shorter CSU duration. aTPO↑IgE↓ was associated with markers of aiCSU, that is, BAT and autologous serum skin test positivity, basopenia, and eosinopenia (P < .01 for all). Almost half the patients with aTPO↑IgE↓ (44%, 19 of 43) had a positive BAT result, the best single marker for aiCSU, versus 12% (43 of 344) of patients without aTPO↑IgE↓ (P < .001). Relative risk of showing BAT positivity for a patient with aTPO↑IgE↓ is 3.636 (95% CI, 2.382-5.551). Patients with aTPO↑IgE↓ showed low response rates to antihistamine treatment as compared with patients without aTPO↑IgE↓ (30% vs 47%; P= .01). Our findings suggest that aTPO↑IgE↓ is a useful diagnostic marker for aiCSU in everyday clinical practice.

Biphasic anaphylaxis after first dose of messenger RNA coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine with positive polysorbate 80 skin testing result

Biphasic anaphylaxis after first dose of messenger RNA coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine with positive polysorbate 80 skin testing result

Serum Sickness Reaction to Rituximab with Positive Immediate Intradermal Skin Test: A Case Report

Background: Rituximab is a chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody against CD20. It can be used off-label in autoimmune diseases. Its administration can lead to several types of reactions; immediate infusional reactions and also delayed reactions like Serum Sickness Reaction (SSR). Case presentation: This is a case study of a 48 years old woman diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis/systemic lupus erythematosus who developed refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura and received treatment with rituximab. After treatment, she developed erythematous-violet lesions accompanied with fever of 38ºC, dyspnea, joints arthralgia and edema. In the emergency department, hypotension, fever, dyspnea, and shivering were observed, for which, intramuscular epinephrine, intravenous corticosteroids, antibiotics and salbutamol nebulization were administered. In our allergy unit, we performed an intradermal test (IDT) with rituximab (1mg/ml), which was positive at immediate (20min) and late (48h) reading. Based on the clinical manifestations and test carried out, she was diagnosed with rituximab SSR. We also studied the molecular mass of the IgE-reactive proteins present in rituximab product by SDS-PAGE Immunoblotting method according to Laemmli, in reducing and non-reducing conditions, with high sensitivity and using three different polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane blocking substances (skimmed cow's milk, fish collagen and egg white). We did not detect IgE-binding to rituximab product. Conclusion: The pathogenesis of SSR is not well known. The patients after reinfusion can develop immediate reactions suggesting involvement of IgE hypersensitivity. Nevertheless, there are patients who tolerated reinfusion. Further studies and assays are needed for a better understanding of these reactions and to lead to a safer re-administration if needed.

Incidence of latent tuberculosis in rheumatic diseases after taking immunesuppressive drugs

Tuberculosis remains a serious public health concern. Comorbidity in immunocompromised patients makes its diagnosis more difficult. The present study was conducted to assess the prevalence of positive tuberculin skin test and Chest X-ray changes in patients with rheumatologic diseases treated with immunosuppressive medications in the city of Birjand, Iran. The present prospective study was conducted in 2020 in the city of Birjand, Iran on 40 patients with rheumatologic diseases and 40 healthy people. Inclusion criteria were patients with the diagnosed rheumatic disease under treatment with immunosuppressive drugs. Exclusion criteria were active tuberculosis and changes in chest X-ray in favor of tuberculosis. Purified protein derivative solution was used to carry out a tuberculin skin test and screen both groups for latent tuberculosis and Chest X-ray to ascertain the presence or absence of the radiographic signs of old tuberculosis in the patients' group at the initiation of treatment and six months after. The collected data were recorded in a checklist and then analyzed in SPSS-22 using descriptive and statistical tests. Mean age was 47.32 ± 13.61 years in the case group and 46.40 ± 14.19 years in the control. Also, 7.5% of the case group patients taking immunosuppressive medications were tuberculin skin test positive, but no significant difference was observed between the case and control groups (P value = 0.24). In the positive tuberculin skin test group, 66.6% had spondyloarthritis of whom, 100% were taking Cinnora (Adalimumab). The emergence of latent tuberculosis in rheumatic patients after taking immunosuppressive medications is likely, and clinicians should be aware of its risk.

Association between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and tuberculin skin test positivity in HIV-positive adults.

BackgroundThe tuberculin skin test (TST) identifies individuals at high risk of developing tuberculosis (TB) but poses many challenges. The blood monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) could be an alternative, as extremes in MLR have been associated with increased risk of TB disease.MethodsAt a primary care clinic in Johannesburg, a differential white blood cell count and TST was performed in adults starting antiretroviral treatment (ART) without symptoms suggestive of active TB.ResultsOf 259 participants, 171 had valid results of whom 30% (51/171) were TST positive and the median MLR was 0.18 (IQR 0.13–0.28). The MLR distribution differed between CD4 count categories (p < 0.01), with a broader range of values in TST negative participants with a low CD4 count (≤ 250 cells/mm3), likely reflecting HIV immunosuppression. MLR was associated with a positive TST (OR 0.78 per 0.1 increase, 95% CI 0.59, 0.97) in bivariate analysis but not in multivariate regression analysis (aOR 0.83 for every 0.1 increase, 95% CI 0.60, 1.08).ConclusionIn ART-naïve adults without symptoms suggestive of active TB, MLR was not independently associated with TST positivity and is thus unlikely to be a useful alternative to TST. Future research should focus on development of a cheap, simple and accurate biomarker to identify those people benefiting most from preventive TB therapy.