The journal of allergy and clinical immunology. In practice
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jul 2018
Case ReportsOmalizumab for the Treatment of Solar Urticaria: Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature.
Solar urticaria (SU) is a rare photodermatosis causing a significant impact on patients' quality of life. Although the condition can be controlled with phototherapy and/or a combination therapy of antihistamines and leukotriene antagonist in most patients, a subset of patients require additional therapy with omalizumab; however, efficacy data are sparse. ⋯ Omalizumab provided clinical benefits in approximately 80% of patients with SU. Patients failing to improve on standard omalizumab doses may benefit from higher monthly dosages.
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jul 2018
Clinical TrialThe Urticaria Activity Score-Validity, Reliability, and Responsiveness.
Chronic spontaneous urticaria is characterized by fluctuating symptoms. Its activity is assessed with the urticaria activity score (UAS). Two versions of the urticaria activity score used for 7 consecutive days (UAS7) are available: (1) The guideline-recommended UAS7, with once-daily documentation, and (2) the UAS7TD, with twice-daily documentation. ⋯ The UAS7 and UAS7TD show good and comparable clinimetric properties, including good sensitivity to change, and similar MIDs.
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jul 2018
Use of a Penicillin Allergy Screening Algorithm and Penicillin Skin Testing for Transitioning Hospitalized Patients to First-Line Antibiotic Therapy.
Penicillin allergy is the most commonly reported antibiotic allergy. Avoidance of β-lactam antibiotics in hospitalized patients leads to the use of second-line therapies. ⋯ The use of the PAHA and subsequent PST is a safe, effective multidisciplinary intervention that facilitates the transition to β-lactam antibiotics. Our approach is unique in that it prioritizes patients based on the use of second-line antibiotics, and then applies an algorithm to determine eligibility for PST.
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jul 2018
Skin Testing for Suspected Iodinated Contrast Media Hypersensitivity.
The management of iodinated contrast medium (ICM) hypersensitivity has been a matter of debate. Skin testing to identify a subgroup of ICM allergic patients has been proposed, in addition to complete avoidance, provocation testing, or premedication. ⋯ Skin testing for potential ICM hypersensitivity can identify safe alternative(s) for ICM re-exposure especially in patients with an immediate hypersensitivity reaction and/or skin test-proven ICM drug allergy. Reactions on re-exposure were infrequent, mostly milder, and occurred in some patients despite premedication.
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jul 2018
Impact of Rhinitis on Work Productivity: A Systematic Review.
Allergic rhinitis (AR) is increasingly acknowledged as having a substantial socioeconomic impact associated with impaired work productivity, although available information remains fragmented. ⋯ This systematic review provides summary estimates of the magnitude of work productivity impairment due to AR and identifies its main determinant factors. This information may help guide both clinicians and health policy makers.