Cross-reactivity to Acetaminophen and Celecoxib According to the Type of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Hypersensitivity

Diagnostic Value of Oral Provocation Tests in Drug Hypersensitivity Reactions Induced by Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Paracetamol

Oral drug provocation tests (DPT) are the basic diagnostic tool for the detection of hypersensitivity to non-opioid analgesics and for selecting a safe alternative for a patient. They are of great practical importance due to their common use, but the data on the follow-up of patients after negative DPT are still very scarce. We examined the further fate of 164 such adult patients after negative NSAID or paracetamol tests and analyzed which excipients in the studied drugs they could be exposed to after the diagnostic workup. A structured medical interview was performed 32.9 months (mean) after the provocation tests. Of the 164 patients, 131 (79.9%) retook the tested drug and 12 developed another hypersensitivity reaction, giving the estimated negative predictive value of 90.8%. These reactions were induced by acetylsalicylic acid, paracetamol, meloxicam, and diclofenac, and were clinically similar to the initial ones (most commonly urticaria and angioedema). There are 93 generics of these drugs on the local market, containing a total of 33 excipients for which hypersensitivity reactions have been reported. All available generics contain such excipients. Thirty-one patients (20.1%) did not take the previously tested drug again, most often because it was not needed or because they were afraid of another reaction. DPT with analgesics has a high diagnostic performance. A minority of patients had relapsed after reexposure. One of the underestimated reasons for this may be drug excipients provoking a reaction, so it is advisable to use exactly the same medical product that has been negatively tested. Many patients avoid reexposure to a given drug, despite negative tests, therefore very reliable patient education in connection with DPT is highly needed.

Recognizing Kounis Syndrome, the Unusual Possible Culprit of Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Rare Case Report

Kounis syndrome encompasses acute coronary syndrome features associated with severe vasospasm of the coronary artery. It is related to allergic anaphylactic reaction triggered by the release of inflammatory cells and mediators. This entity, however, is often not properly diagnosed. In this report, we aimed to discuss a case of Kounis syndrome mimicking acute coronary syndrome. We presented a 58-year-old man with dyspnea, chest pain, dizziness, and itchiness 30 minutes following sodium diclofenac ingestion. His physical examination was remarkable for shock with hypoxia and features of anaphylactic reaction. An urgent electrocardiogram was obtained, manifesting deep ST-segment depression in anterolateral leads with ST elevation of aVR, which hinted a severe three-vessel disease or left main disease. Allergic acute coronary syndrome was suspected. Thus, the patient was managed with fluid resuscitation, epinephrine, and corticosteroid injection along with acute coronary syndrome treatment algorithm with a favorable clinical response. One-hour serial ECG showed complete resolution of ST depression with aVR normalization. This pointed to possible acute coronary spasm. No further coronary intervention was performed, the patient was discharged after 2 days in good condition and planned for further cardiac evaluation during follow-up. Kounis syndrome is an intriguing process caused by the presence of two disease entities that must be treated simultaneously. The difficulty in treating this condition stems from the fact that treating one of both entities may aggravate the other. Thus, a comprehensive approach and health education are strongly advised to ensure that this condition does not reoccur in the future.

A case of delayed maculopapular eruption to ibuprofen and acute urticaria to acetaminophen

We present the unique case of a 33-year-old male referred to our clinic in search of analgesic options who was found to have a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to ibuprofen manifesting as a maculopapular rash and acute urticaria to acetaminophen. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with predictable reactions as well as immunoglobulin E-mediated reactions or T-cell mediated reactions. This case highlights the importance of knowledge of the different types of reactions to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents as well as the risk of cross reactivity. Delayed reaction to a single non-steroidal agent is rare; urticaria to acetaminophen is very rare. This is the first report we have found in the literature where one individual has a delayed reaction manifesting as rash to ibuprofen as well as urticaria to acetaminophen. We challenged our patient to aspirin which helped identify that his delayed reaction was only to ibuprofen and urticaria only to acetaminophen. The case also highlights the importance of an oral provocation challenge when no contraindications exist which helped us find that he could take celecoxib and avoid narcotics as initial therapy.

Optimizing Pain Control and Minimizing Opioid Use in Trauma Patients

Adverse effects of opioids and the ongoing crisis of opioid abuse have prompted providers to reduce prescribing opioids and increase use of multiple nonpharmacologic therapies, nonopioid analgesics, and co-analgesics for pain management in trauma patients. Nonopioid agents, including acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, gabapentinoids, ketamine, central α2 agonists, and lidocaine, can be used as adjuncts or alternatives to opioids in the trauma population. Complementary therapies such as acupuncture, virtual reality, and mirror therapy are modalities that also may be helpful in reducing pain. Performing pain assessments is fundamental to identify pain and evaluate treatment effectiveness in the critically ill trauma patient. The efficacy, safety, and availability of opioid-sparing therapies and multimodal pain regimens are reviewed.

Current practice for diagnosing immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Skin (STs) and drug provocation (DPTs) tests are essential for identifying the culprit drugs causing drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs). Several protocols have been developed for the identification of some culprit drugs, but they are neither thoroughly validated nor standardized. Furthermore, language barriers may impede the exchange of information necessary for test standardization.

METHODS

We searched the Korean literature for articles on drug hypersensitivity published from 1933 to 2016 using the KoreaMed search engine and archives of Korean journals. We reviewed and rated all articles according to the description of STs and DPTs.

RESULTS

Of the 632 articles obtained in our initial search, 34 had adequate descriptions of 15 STs and 22 DPTs. Up to 27 healthy control subjects in STs were enrolled to determine non-irritating concentrations. The concentrations used for intradermal tests were commonly a 1/10 dilution of those used for skin prick tests. The interpretations of the STs were mostly similar among researchers. For DPTs, most procedures were single-arm open-label tests of various drugs. The initial dose ranged from a quarter dose to a single therapeutic dose, depending on the severity of the original hypersensitivity reaction. The interval between doses was usually 30 to 60 minutes, and a positive reaction usually occurred within twice the time of the original reaction.

CONCLUSION

Efforts to distribute information are necessary to standardize protocols and better understand DHRs.

Tolerability to paracetamol and preferential COX-2 inhibitors in patients with cross-reactive nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs hypersensitivity

Background

Acetylsalicylic acid/aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used drugs that may cause hypersensitivity reactions in a substantial proportion of patients. Physicians ought to be aware of these situations.

Objective

We aimed to present the clinical characteristics and rates of tolerability to cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor analgesics in patients who had admitted due to multiple cross-reactive type of NSAID hypersensitivity.

Methods

The files of the patients who had admitted with multiple NSAIDs-induced symptoms were investigated retrospectively. Age, sex, underlying diseases, clinical manifestation, skin test results, and drug provocation test results were analyzed.

Results

In 105 patients with multiple cross-reactive type of NSAID hypersensitivity, we found the rate of cross-reactivity to any of the relatively safe alternatives including paracetamol, meloxicam, and nimesulide to be 16.1%. The rate of cross-reactivity to these relatively safe drugs was significantly higher in patients with a history of anaphylaxis induced by NSAID intake (p = 0.006).

Conclusion

The diagnosis of COX-1-mediated multiple NSAID hypersensitivity can be often established with a detailed history. Although rare, severe hypersensitivity reactions may be observed in these patients. Undesired situations for both patients and physicians may be avoided by testing relatively safe paracetamol and COX-2 inhibitors in experienced centers.

New phenotypes in hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in the medical field, and hypersensitivity to NSAID is a common adverse drug reaction encountered. However, NSAID hypersensitivity presents a variety of symptoms caused by diverse pharmacological and immunological mechanisms.

RECENT FINDINGS

Owing to the heterogeneity of the disease, a new concept for the classification of NSAID hypersensitivity has recently been proposed to diagnose and manage NSAID hypersensitivity for personalized treatment. Acute and delayed reactions were distinguished in this classification, and identification of symptoms and speculation of putative mechanisms help physicians make the right diagnosis. NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease is a noticeable phenotype of NSAID hypersensitivity that involves upper airway comorbidities (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps) as well as asthmatic features. The cutaneous phenotypes of NSAID hypersensitivity occur, and cross-reactivity with other types of NSAID should be considered in establishing a proper diagnosis. Hypersensitivity to a single NSAID can present urticaria/angioedema and anaphylaxis, in which an IgE-mediated immune response is suggested to be a prime mechanism. Management of NSAID hypersensitivity reactions includes avoidance, pharmacological treatment following standard guidelines, and aspirin desensitization.

SUMMARY

The classification, diagnosis, and management of NSAID hypersensitivity should be individually reached by identifying its phenotype.

Update on the Management of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Hypersensitivity

The clinical phenotypes of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity are heterogeneous with various presentations including time of symptom onset, organ involvements, and underlying pathophysiology. Having a correct diagnosis can be challenging. Understanding their respective mechanisms as well as developing a comprehensive classification and diagnostic algorithm are pivotal for appropriate management strategy. Treatment modalities are based on the subtypes and severity of hypersensitivity reactions. Insights into the phenotypes and endotypes of hypersensitivity reactions enable personalized management in patients with suboptimal control of disease. This review updated the recent evidence of pathophysiology, classification, diagnostic algorithm, and management of NSAID hypersensitivity reactions.

NSAID-induced reactions: classification, prevalence, impact, and management strategies

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the leading cause of hypersensitivity drug reactions. The different chemical structures, cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) and/or COX-2 inhibitors, are taken at all ages and some can be easily obtained over the counter. Vasoactive inflammatory mediators like histamine and leukotriene metabolites can produce local/systemic effects. Responders can be selective (SR), IgE or T-cell mediated, or cross-intolerant (CI). Inhibition of the COX pathway is the common mechanism in CI, with the skin being the most frequent organ involved, followed by the lung and/or the nose. An important number of cases have skin and respiratory involvement, with systemic manifestations ranging from mild to severe anaphylaxis. Among SR, this is the most frequent entity, often being severe. Recent years have seen an increase in reactions involving the skin, with many cases having urticaria and/or angioedema in the absence of chronic urticaria. Aspirin, the classical drug involved, has now been replaced by other NSAIDs, with ibuprofen being the universal culprit. For CI, no in vivo/in vitro diagnostic methods exist and controlled administration is the only option unless the cases evaluated report repetitive and consistent episodes with different NSAIDs. In SR, skin testing (patch and intradermal) with 24-48 reading can be useful, mainly for delayed T-cell responses. Acetyl salicylic acid (ASA) is the test drug to establish the diagnosis and confirm/exclude CI by controlled administration. Desensitization to ASA has been extensively used in respiratory cases though it can also be applied in those cases where it is required.

Characterization of Patients with Ibuprofen Hypersensitivity

BACKGROUND

Ibuprofen is the most frequently used over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) in North America. While it has been commonly implicated in drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions, there is limited literature specifically on ibuprofen hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVES

To characterize the demographics and clinical course of hypersensitivity reactions in a cohort of patients with ibuprofen allergy.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with ibuprofen allergy was conducted between 2008 and 2016 in an allergy clinic at a tertiary care academic institution. Demographics and clinical information were obtained, and severity of reactions was assessed by a standardized grading system.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients were included of whom 27 were female. The mean age at first reaction to ibuprofen was 33 ± 13.9 years. The medi an time from the first reaction to the time of diagnosis was 1 year (0-3). The median time from ibuprofen exposure to the onset of symptoms was 30 min (16-101). The median duration of symptoms was 180 min (60-1,440). Urticaria and angioedema were seen in 90% of patients. The reactions were either mild (46%) or moderate (51%) in severity, but 1 patient had severe anaphylaxis. Cross-reactivity to other NSAIDs or acetaminophen was seen and presented with mostly mild reactions.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of patients, ibuprofen hypersensitivity affected females more commonly than males, and presented with mainly cutaneous manifestations. Onset of symptoms was rapid (< 60 min). Reactions typically ranged in severity from mild to moderate although there was a risk of severe anaphylaxis. There was potential cross-reactivity with other NSAIDs or acetaminophen. The results of our study contribute to the understanding of the demographics and clinical course of ibuprofen hypersensitivity reactions.

Drug-induced anaphylaxis: is it an epidemic?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review addresses the epidemiology, analyzes the current data and promotes global awareness of drug-induced anaphylaxis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that may cause death! In the last decade, studies have shown an increasing incidence and prevalence of anaphylaxis.

SUMMARY

Drug-induced anaphylaxis fatalities have increased, and this syndrome remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.

An update on the management of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

INTRODUCTION

Clinical features of aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) consist of moderate to severe asthma associated with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), which are derived from overproduction of cysteinyl leukotrienes along with chronic type 2 mediated inflammation in the upper and lower airway mucosa. Area covered: This review provides recent up-to-date information regarding phenotypes of AERD and encompasses comprehensive diagnostic methods and treatment options. To confirm the diagnosis of AERD, provocation testing via nasal, inhalation or the oral route of aspirin remains the gold standard; in vitro diagnostic methods are still not available. Essential management is to avoid cross-reacting cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) inhibitors along with use of highly selective COX-2 inhibitors and to maintain pharmacologic treatment depending on the severity of asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis. Recent biologics, including anti-IgE and anti-IL5 antibodies, are required in severe AERD patients with CRS. Aspirin desensitization can be recommended when indicated. Expert commentary: AERD is a heterogeneous disease in terms of severity and associated allergic disease. When performing diagnosis and treatment for AERD, such disease characteristics need to be kept in mind.

Practical approach to the treatment of NSAID hypersensitivity

INTRODUCTION

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most frequently involved in drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHR). NSAIDs are prescribed for different processes and some NSAIDs can be obtained over the counter. Areas covered: We analyse the practical approaches for managing and treating NSAID-DHR considering the five major groups of entities recognised, divided into two categories: those responding to strong COX-1 inhibitors and possibly weak COX-1 or selective COX-2 inhibitors named cross-intolerant (CI), and those induced by a single drug or drug group with good tolerance to strong COX-1 inhibitors, known as allergic reactions (SR). An analysis of the recent literature indicates that two approaches can be followed for CI: to give acetyl salicylic acid to confirm NSAID hypersensitivity or to give alternative drugs to provide a solution for the treatment of pain, fever, inflammation or other conditions. Desensitisation approaches have been undertaken, but mainly for CI cases with respiratory airway involvement and they are very rarely used for CI with cutaneous involvement or SR. Expert commentary: DHR to NSAIDs are now recognised as one of the most important problems in the evaluation and management of drug allergy. Because no diagnostic tests exist, important resources are needed to evaluate these patients.

Drug-Induced Anaphylaxis

Drugs are among the main triggers of anaphylaxis, but identification of the culprit drug is frequently difficult. To confirm diagnosis of the causative agent, medical records and clinical history are fundamental. There are a few in vitro tests available in clinical practice, such as serum-specific IgE and basophil activation test. Skin tests are often useful for the diagnosis, although drug challenge is indicated in patients with inconclusive clinical history or to provide safe alternatives. Treatment of anaphylaxis is standard and intramuscular epinephrine is the main agent to prevent morbidity and mortality. Rapid desensitization may be indicated in selected cases.

Identification of phenotypic clusters of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exacerbated respiratory disease

BACKGROUND

Clinical presentation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD) is found to be heterogeneous. This study classified phenotypic clusters to determine NERD subtypes.

METHODS

We performed two-step cluster analysis using urticaria, chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), and atopy, in a NERD cohort comprising 302 patients. Asthma exacerbation was defined as receiving at least one burst of intravenous steroid treatment and/or at least two bursts of oral steroid use (≥ 45 mg/3 days) per year. The possession rate of anti-asthmatic medications was estimated during the follow-up period.

RESULTS

There were four subtypes: subtype 1 (NERD with CRS/atopy and no urticaria), subtype 2 (NERD with CRS and no urticaria/atopy), subtype 3 (NERD without CRS/urticaria), and subtype 4 (NERD with urticaria). Significant differences were found between the four subtypes in the female proportion, baseline FEV1%, serum total IgE level, and sputum/peripheral eosinophil count. A higher frequency of asthma exacerbations was noted in subtype 1 compared to subtype 3. The possession rates of medium- to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids/long-acting beta₂ -agonists showed significant differences among the four subtypes. Metabolomic analysis showed that the four subtypes of NERD had a higher serum leukotriene E4 (LTE4) level than those with aspirin-tolerant asthma. The patients with subtypes 1 and 3 had a higher urine LTE4 level than those with subtype 2.

CONCLUSION

We found four distinct subtypes with different clinical/biochemical findings and asthma exacerbations in a NERD cohort. These findings suggest that stratified strategies by applying subtype classification may help achieve better outcomes in the management of NERD.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease: Prevalence, diagnosis, treatment, and considerations for the future

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is a late onset condition characterized by the Samter triad (aspirin sensitivity [as well as sensitivity to any nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitor], nasal polyps, asthma) and additional features, including eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis, hypereosinophilia, anosmia, frequent absence of atopy, and, intolerance to ingestion of red wine and other alcoholic beverages. The diagnosis is rare, and, because of this, it is also often missed by physicians. However, it is highly overexpressed in patients with severe asthma (and severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps), which makes its recognition essential. For this review, we considered mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this disease and discussed the clinical symptoms of AERD. We also discussed the role of aspirin desensitization in the treatment of AERD. Also, we considered medications (e.g, leukotriene modifiers) and surgical interventions that have a role in the treatment of AERD.

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease and current treatment modalities

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) refers to the combination of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis, and acute upper and lower respiratory tract reactions to the ingestion of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) and other cyclooxygenase-1 inhibiting non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. AERD affects 0.3-0.9 % of the general population. AERD generally occurs due to abnormalities in mediators and expression of arachidonic acid biosynthesis. Local IgE responses to staphylococcal enterotoxins may also be responsible for eosinophilic activation in the nasal polyp tissues of AERD patients. Clinical features of AERD include the onset of nasal congestion with anosmia, progressing to chronic pansinusitis and nasal polyps that regrow rapidly after surgery. Aspirin desensitization, Leukotriene-modifying agents, biologic agents, management of asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, and nasal polyposis are recommended as treatment modalities. Immunotherapy is prescribed only to those AERD patients who experience clear seasonal or perennial allergy symptoms in addition to the symptoms attributable to chronic nasal polyposis. There are also investigational and dietary therapies. In this review, the important aspects of AERD will be presented, along with a literature survey.

Update on the Management of Aspirin-Exacerbated Respiratory Disease

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) is an adult-onset upper and lower airway disease consisting of eosinophilic nasal polyps, asthma, and respiratory reactions to cyclooxygenase 1 (COX-1) inhibitors. Management includes guideline-based treatment of asthma and sinus disease, avoidance of COX-1 inhibitors, and for some patients aspirin desensitization followed by high-dose aspirin therapy. Despite this, many patients have inadequately controlled symptoms and require multiple sinus surgeries. In this review, we discuss the current standard approaches to the management of AERD, and we introduce several therapeutics under development that may hold promise for the treatment of AERD.

Comparative study of bacterial translocation control with nitric oxide donors and COX2 inhibitor

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

To evaluate the beneficial effects of exogenous NO and an inhibitor of the COX2, and their action levels in a model of SIRS/bacterial translocation (BT) induced by Zymosan A(®).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety Wistar rats were submitted to different treatments, and after 12h and 24h they were anaesthetized in order to collect blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, and kidney for subsequent biochemical analyses and microbiological examinations.

TREATMENTS

A nitric oxide donor, Molsidomine(®), was compared with a COX2 inhibitor, Celecoxib(®).

METHODS

Zymosan A(®) was administered to Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 6 groups: one group for survival study, Group (1) No manipulation (BASAL); Group (2) vehicle of Zymosan A(®) given intraperitoneally (SHAM); Group I (control), with Zymosan A(®) (0.6g/kg) intraperitoneally; Group II (Molsidomine), with Molsidomine(®) (4mg/kg) through the penis dorsal vein, 30min prior to administration of the Zy(®) (0.6g/kg); Group III (Celecoxib), with Celecoxib(®) (400mg/kg) orally through a stomach tube, 6h prior to administration of the Zy (0.6g/kg).

DETERMINATIONS

The parameters survival, bacterial translocation, renal function, neutrophil accumulation, oxygen free radicals (OFR), detoxifying enzymes, and cytokines were measured at different times after Zymosan administration.

RESULTS

The model established induced a mortality rate of 100% and generated BT and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in all samples. It also significantly increased all variables, with p<.001 for MPO and all pro-inflammatory cytokines, and p<.01 for all OFR. Treatment with Molsidomine reduced mortality to 0%, decreased BT, MPO, pro-inflammatory cytokines and OFR (p<.001) significantly and increased IL-10 and IL-6 production. Moreover, the Celecoxib(®) showed a lower capacity for SIRS regulation.

CONCLUSIONS

The exogenous administration of NO prevented BT and controlled SIRS. Therefore these results suggest that Molsidomine could be used as a therapeutic strategy to protect against BT.

Mapping the effects of drugs on the immune system

Understanding how drugs affect the immune system has consequences for treating disease and minimizing unwanted side effects. Here we present an integrative computational approach for predicting interactions between drugs and immune cells in a system-wide manner. The approach matches gene sets between transcriptional signatures to determine their similarity. We apply the method to model the interactions between 1,309 drugs and 221 immune cell types and predict 69,995 known and novel interactions. The resulting immune-cell pharmacology map is used to predict how 5 drugs influence 4 immune cell types in humans and mice. To validate the predictions, we analyzed patient records and examined cell population changes from in vivo experiments. Our method offers a tool for screening thousands of interactions to identify relationships between drugs and the immune system.

Short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and adverse effects: An updated systematic review

BACKGROUND

In this article, the authors examine the available scientific evidence regarding adverse effects of short-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Short-term use was defined as 10 days or fewer.

METHODS

The authors reviewed randomized controlled clinical trials and cohort and case-controlled clinical studies published between 2001 and June 2015 in which the investigators reported on the safety of nonselective cyclooxygenase inhibitors and of cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor NSAIDs.

RESULTS

The systematic review process according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines allowed the authors to identify 40 studies that met the inclusion criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of the available scientific evidence, NSAIDs may be considered relatively safe drugs when prescribed at the most effective dose and for the shortest duration of time, which was defined to be 10 days or fewer.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Although the US Food and Drug Administration recommends the use of NSAIDs beyond 10 days to be accompanied by a consultation with a health care provider, the use of NSAIDs may be considered relatively safe when prescribed at the most effective dose and for the shortest duration of time, which was defined as 10 days or fewer. Exceptions would be for patients at risk of developing NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease, patients with prior myocardial infarction who are receiving antithrombotic therapy, patients with asthma, and patients with a history of renal disease.

Evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs according to the latest classification

BACKGROUND/AIM

The consensus document for hypersensitivity reactions to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) proposed by the European Network for Drug Allergy (ENDA) interest group (2011) was revised in 2013. We aimed to evaluate the usability of the latest NSAID hypersensitivity classification of ENDA.

METHOD

A total of 370 patients with a history of hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs among the 1250 outpatients referred for suspected drug allergy between July 2013 and June 2014 were evaluated, and 308 patients who were confirmed as having NSAID hypersensitivity were included in this study. After confirming the diagnosis, a single-blind placebo-controlled drug provocation test was performed with aspirin or diclofenac to categorize the patients according to the ENDA classification. The reactions not meeting the ENDA classification criteria were grouped as blended reactions.

RESULTS

Among the 308 patients (224 female, mean age 42.12 ± 13.24), the leading cause of hypersensitivity reactions was metamizol (30.5%) followed by aspirin (30.2%). The most common NSAID hypersensitivity subgroup was SNIUAA (46.4%) and the least common type was SNIDR (1.6%). Cross-reactivity was identified in 50.3% of the patients. In five patients (1.6%), the hypersensitivity reactions to NSAIDs did not meet the ENDA classification: Three patients experienced anaphylaxis with different NSAIDs, one patient encountered anaphylaxis with one NSAID and urticaria with other NSAIDs, and the last patient had angioedema with different NSAIDs.

CONCLUSION

The latest ENDA classification for NSAID hypersensitivity is generally a practical and useful instrument for clinicians. We only point out that anaphylaxis with different NSAIDs can be seen in a small group of patients.

Upper airways in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review updates the status of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD) in the contexts of epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have shown that prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) deficiency induces an AERD phenotype in PGE₂ synthase-1 knock-out mice and also PGE₂ resistance in granulocytes of AERD patients. The numbers of platelet-adherent leukocytes increase in AERD patients, enhancing production of cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) via transcellular metabolism of arachidonate. INF-γ released from eosinophils of the sinus tissue of AERD patients promotes eosinophil maturation, increases leukotriene-associated gene expression, and releases CysLTs. The serum periostin level has been suggested to be a useful biomarker predicting the AERD/CRSwNP phenotype. Aspirin desensitization was reported to decrease the levels of CD4⁺ T cell-derived cytokines, including INF-γ and IL-10, in line with the newly defined role of INF-γ in AERD.

SUMMARY

Recent findings further support the notion that arachidonic acid metabolism is dysregulated in AERD patients. This is reflected by resistance to PGE₂, overproduction of CysLTs by enhanced numbers of platelet-adherent leukocytes, and cellular stimulation by INF-γ released from eosinophils. Aspirin desensitization may be a useful treatment option in AERD patients exhibiting recalcitrant CRSwNP.

Safety and efficacy of paracetamol and NSAIDs in osteoarthritis: which drug to recommend?

INTRODUCTION

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is a major cause of disability, especially in people ≥ 45 years old. Several international societies recommend the use of both acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate OA pain. However, patients with OA often have comorbidities, notably cardiovascular risk factors, which may hamper the use of these analgesics.

AREAS COVERED

This paper reviews the safety of both acetaminophen and NSAIDs in OA. Recent data have pointed to a gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity of acetaminophen, which has been neglected for a long time. In addition, several meta-analyses revealed that acetaminophen is a poor analgesic in OA. Traditional NSAIDs and cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors (coxibs) have similar analgesic effects but vary greatly in their potential gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity.

EXPERT OPINION

Given the putative gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxicity and poor analgesic properties of acetaminophen in OA, its use in patients with risk factors is questionable. Acetaminophen should be used at the lowest effective dosage and for the shortest time in all OA patients. Given the different safety profiles, the choice of NSAIDs, traditional or coxibs, should be based on individual patient risk factors. A good knowledge of the different strategies to decrease the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular toxic effects of NSAIDs is key to the management of OA.