Assessing the prevalence and characteristics of self-reported penicillin allergy in Saudi Arabian population: A nationwide cross-sectional study

IntroductionBeing allergic to penicillin can lead to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics, contributing to the growing problem of multidrug resistance. Knowing the exact allergy history is essential as some circumstances may allow reinitiating penicillin. This study focused on assessing the prevalence and characteristics of self-reported penicillin allergy in the Saudi Arabian population.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide cross-sectional study via an electronic self-administered questionnaire directed toward the Saudi Arabian general adult population. Variables about respondent demographics as well as type and characteristics of the allergy were collected.ResultsOne hundred ninety-three out of 2022 participants who completed the survey (9.5%) reported allergy to penicillin, with the most reported reaction being anaphylaxis in 89 participants (46.1%), non-anaphylaxis reported by 69 participants (35.8%). Twenty-two participants (11.4%) were identified as not having a true allergy due to reporting a tolerability issue or a non-penicillin-type agent. About 38% reported that the allergy occurred more than ten years ago.ConclusionThis is the first study to report the prevalence and characteristics of self-reported penicillin allergy in Saudi Arabia. The data from this study provides valuable information to consider starting in-hospital penicillin de-labeling programs and providing evidence for healthcare providers to consider re-challenging certain qualified patients.     

Evaluation of association of anti-PEG antibodies with anaphylaxis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination

BackgroundThe mechanism for anaphylaxis following mRNA COVID-19 vaccination has been widely debated; understanding this serious adverse event is important for future vaccines of similar design. A mechanism proposed is type I hypersensitivity (i.e., IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation) to polyethylene glycol (PEG). Using an assay that, uniquely, had been previously assessed in patients with anaphylaxis to PEG, our objective was to compare anti-PEG IgE in serum from mRNA COVID-19 vaccine anaphylaxis case-patients and persons vaccinated without allergic reactions. Secondarily, we compared anti-PEG IgG and IgM to assess alternative mechanisms.MethodsSelected anaphylaxis case-patients reported to U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System December 14, 2020–March 25, 2021 were invited to provide a serum sample. mRNA COVID-19 vaccine study participants with residual serum and no allergic reaction post-vaccination (“controls”) were frequency matched to cases 3:1 on vaccine and dose number, sex and 10-year age category. Anti-PEG IgE was measured using a dual cytometric bead assay (DCBA). Anti-PEG IgG and IgM were measured using two different assays: DCBA and a PEGylated-polystyrene bead assay. Laboratorians were blinded to case/control status.ResultsAll 20 case-patients were women; 17 had anaphylaxis after dose 1, 3 after dose 2. Thirteen (65 %) were hospitalized and 7 (35 %) were intubated. Time from vaccination to serum collection was longer for case-patients vs controls (post-dose 1: median 105 vs 21 days). Among Moderna recipients, anti-PEG IgE was detected in 1 of 10 (10 %) case-patients vs 8 of 30 (27 %) controls (p = 0.40); among Pfizer-BioNTech recipients, it was detected in 0 of 10 case-patients (0 %) vs 1 of 30 (3 %) controls (p >n 0.99). Anti-PEG IgE quantitative signals followed this same pattern. Neither anti-PEG IgG nor IgM was associated with case status with both assay formats.ConclusionOur results support that anti-PEG IgE is not a predominant mechanism for anaphylaxis post-mRNA COVID-19 vaccination.     

Current situation of anaphylaxis in Japan: Data from the anaphylaxis registry of training and teaching facilities certified by the Japanese Society of Allergology – secondary publication

BackgroundAnaphylaxis is a potentially fatal severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction that causes symptoms in multiple organs such as the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract; however, no nationwide epidemiological survey on anaphylaxis has been conducted in Japan. This survey aimed to elucidate the triggers and treatment of anaphylaxis in Japan.MethodsBetween February 2015 and October 2017, we prospectively collected clinical data on the triggers and treatment of patients who developed anaphylaxis or were admitted to the emergency room with anaphylaxis in the training and teaching facilities of the Japanese Society of Allergology.ResultsThis study included 79 of the 451 affiliated facilities (18%), and a total of 767 patients were enrolled; 73% of them were aged <18 years and 7% had in-hospital triggers. The most common triggers were food (68%), drugs (12%), food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (5%), insects (4%), and oral immunotherapy (3%), with drugs being the most common in-hospital trigger and food being the most common out-of-hospital trigger. Intramuscular injection of adrenaline was administered therapeutically to 38% of the patients, with 10% requiring multiple doses. Adrenaline auto-injectors were used in 12% of out-of-hospital patients.ConclusionsThe present survey revealed the most common triggers and treatments for anaphylaxis in Japan. Self-management and adrenaline administration as first-line treatment may not be done sufficiently. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly educate and train patients and physicians about anaphylaxis.     

食物依赖运动诱发严重过敏3例并文献复习

目的：提高对食物依赖运动诱发严重过敏（FDEIA）的诊疗水平。方法：回顾分析3例食物依赖运动诱发过敏反应患者的临床特征及诊疗情况,并复习相关文献。结果：2例患者在进食小麦面食后,1例患者在进食海虾后由运动诱发全身荨麻疹、呼吸困难及意识障碍,发病时间均在进食食物后30min～2h,经肾上腺素、糖皮质激素及抗组胺药物治疗后缓解。3例患者致敏食物皮肤点刺试验和血清特异性IgE均为阳性。2例患者在禁食致敏食物1年,随访期间未发生过敏反应。结论：FDEIA临床罕见,患者可反复发生过敏性休克而导致死亡,临床进食某些食物过敏原和进食后运动2个因素同时存在时才会诱发FDEIA,治疗方法以抗组胺药物、肾上腺素和糖皮质激素等对症治疗为主,禁食致敏食物及进食致敏食物后4h内避免剧烈运动有可能避免本病的发生。