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
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.
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J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract · Jul 2018
ReviewIn Vitro Diagnosis of Immediate Drug Hypersensitivity During Anesthesia: A Review of the Literature.
Quantification of specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies constitutes an important measure to document anesthesia-related immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs). However, only a few drug-specific assays are available and their predictive value is not known. In cases of non-IgE mediated IHRs, diagnosis might benefit from cellular tests such as basophil mediator release tests and basophil activation tests (BATs). ⋯ For sIgE β-lactams, sensitivity varies between 0% to 85% and specificity between 52% to 100%. sIgE to morphine should not be used in isolation to diagnose IHRs to NMBAs or opiates. sIgE for latex, and, in difficult cases, molecular diagnosis with quantification of sIgE to Hevea components constitute reliable diagnostics. For drugs, the sensitivity of BAT varies between 50% and 60% and specificity reaches 80% to 90%. Basophil mediator release tests seem to be abandoned and supplanted by BATs.