Anaphylaxis to diclofenac: nine cases reported to the Allergy Vigilance Network in France

Nine cases of diclofenac hypersensitivity recorded by the Allergy Vigilance Network in France from 2002 to 2012 were studied. Data from history, symptoms, skin tests, basophil activation tests, and oral challenge (OC) were recorded. Grade 3 severe anaphylactic reactions occurred in seven cases of nine. IgE-dependent anaphylaxis was confirmed in six cases: positive intradermal tests (n = 4), a syndromic reaction during skin tests (n = 1), and one case with grade 1 reaction and negative skin tests had an anaphylactic shock to the OC. A nonimmune reaction was suspected in one case. An IgE-dependent mechanism may be the predominant cause of adverse reactions to diclofenac. Allergy skin tests must be carried out sequentially at the recommended concentrations. BATs may be helpful because they can support the diagnosis of anaphylaxis. Given the risks of a direct challenge to diclofenac, OC to aspirin should be performed first to exclude a nonimmunologic hypersensitivity to NSAIDs. Tests for specific IgEs to most frequently used NSAIDs such as diclofenac and ibuprofen are urgently needed.

Prevalence of sensitisation to oilseed rape and maize pollens in France: a multi-center study carried out by the Allergo-Vigilance Network

BACKGROUND

Oilseed rape and maize crops represent a large part of agriculture fields in European countries.

OBJECTIVE

To establish the actual prevalence of sensitization to oilseed rape and maize pollen, and to determine if this is correlated to the amount of exposure as well as to the patient's history of atopy or asymptomatic atopy.

METHODS

The study was conducted by 69 allergists belonging to the Allergo-Vigilance Network, in collaboration with the French Agency for Safety of food, and compiles the results of skin prick-tests using oilseed rape and maize pollens and seeds, as well as common aeroallergens. The patients were classified into 3 groups: nonatopic, asymptomatic atopy, and actual atopic diseases.

RESULTS

Among the 5372 subjects studied (2515 children, 2857 adults), 62.3% had an atopic disease, 10.2% had an asymptomatic atopy, and 27.5% were non-atopic. The level of sensitization was higher in the subjects with atopic disease, as compared to those with asymptomatic atopy: oilseed rape pollen: 11.8% vs 8%, maize pollen, 26% vs 19%, oilseed rape seeds, 7.7% vs 6.9%, corn seeds: 8.3% vs 4.8% (p < 0.001). The rate of sensitization was significantly increased in those living in high crop density regions. The association of an atopic disease with a high rate of exposure yielded a higher rate of sensitization of 13.8% and 21.3% for rapeseed pollen, and 22.9% and 30.7% for maize pollen in both children and adults, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of sensitisation to rapeseed and maize pollen is positively correlated to the level of exposure. This prevalence is higher in patients with actual atopic disease as compared to those with asymptomatic atopy. The frequency of sensitization confirms the allergenicity of these plants destined for food supply and demonstrates the importance of monitoring for respiratory allergies to these pollens, not only in workers exposed to these types of crops, but also in atopic patients living in regions that contain a high density of rapeseed and maize fields. Cross-reactivities between pollens and seeds could potentially elicit cross-reacting food allergies.

Correlation between improvement in functional signs and plethysmographic parameters during venoactive treatment (Cyclo 3 Fort)

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the change in functional signs of venous insufficiency and venous refilling time measured by mercury strain-gauge plethysmography under the effects of the combination of Ruscus aculeatus, hesperidin methylchalcone and ascorbic acid (Cyclo 3 Fort).

METHODS

An open-label clinical trial conducted in 65 women presenting with CEAP class C2s and C3s assessment criteria. At D0 and D28, functional signs were measured on a visual analog scale (VAS), venous refilling time by mercury strain-gauge plethysmography and venous reflux by echo-Doppler method.

RESULTS

Under treatment, venous refilling time increased from 11.7±4 s to 13.8±4.4 s with Δ of 26% (P<0.0001) and the percentage of patients showing improvement of functional symptoms ≥30% was significantly correlated (P=0.04) with the percentage of patients presenting an improvement in venous refilling time ≥10%.

CONCLUSION

Improvement in subjective functional signs under treatment with Cyclo 3 Fort was correlated with objective plethysmographic parameter improvement. There-fore, this study contributes to objectively document the benefit of prescribing this venoactive drug to active women with CEAP class C2s to C3s.

2008 SOR guidelines for the prevention and treatment of thrombosis associated with central venous catheters in patients with cancer: report from the working group

BACKGROUND

In view of the lack of recommendations on central venous catheter (CVC)-associated thrombosis in cancer patients, we established guidelines according to the well-standardized Standards, Options and Recommendations methodology.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A literature review (1990-2007) on CVC-associated thrombosis was carried out. The guidelines were developed on the basis of the corresponding levels of evidence derived from analysis of the 36 of 175 publications selected. They were then peer reviewed by 65 independent experts.

RESULTS

For the prevention of CVC-associated thrombosis, the distal tip of the CVC should be placed at the junction between the superior cava vein and right atrium; anticoagulants are not recommended. Treatment of CVC-associated thrombosis should be based on the prolonged use of low-molecular weight heparins. Maintenance of the catheter is justified if it is mandatory, functional, in the right position, and not infected, with a favorable clinical evolution under close monitoring; anticoagulant treatment should then be continued as long as the catheter is present.

CONCLUSIONS

Several rigorous studies do not support the use of anticoagulants for the prevention of CVC-associated thrombosis. Treatment of CVC-associated thrombosis relies on the same principles as those applied in the treatment of established thrombosis in cancer patients.

A murine model of cow's milk protein-induced allergic reaction: use for safety assessment of hidden milk allergens

BACKGROUND

Masked allergens in processed food products can lead to severe allergic reactions following unintentional ingestion. We sought to develop a murine model for the detection of hidden cow's milk proteins (CMP). This study aimed to induce cow's milk allergy in mice, to characterize the anaphylaxis induced by CMP in this model, and to validate its reliability using three margarines manufactured with (A) or without (B, C) milk, sharing the same production line.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three-week-old BALB/c mice were sensitized intragastrically with CMP plus cholera toxin and boosted 6 times at weekly intervals. CMP-sensitization status was monitored by skin tests, and measurement of CMP-specific IgE and IgG1 levels. On day 44, the minimal threshold of clinical reactivity to CMP in terms of anaphylaxis was determined by performing a dose response of intraperitoneal CMP challenge. Under the same conditions, anaphylaxis was evaluated in CMP-sensitized mice after challenge with protein extracts of margarines A, B or C.

RESULTS

Sensitization to CMP was demonstrated by positive skin tests and increased CMP-specific IgE and IgG1. The minimal clinical reactivity threshold corresponding to 0.1 mg CMP elicited detectable anaphylaxis evidenced by clinical symptoms, a decrease in breathing frequency, and increased plasma histamine upon challenge. Similarly, challenges with margarine A containing CMP demonstrated anaphylaxis, whereas those with B or C did not elicit any detectable allergic reaction.

CONCLUSION

This study shows that our murine model of CMP-induced anaphylaxis is useful for investigating the allergenic activity and the assessment of margarines with respect to milk.

Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis--update and current data

Exercise-induced anaphylaxis (EIA) is defined as the onset of allergic symptoms during, or immediately after, exercise, the clinical signs being various degrees of urticaria, angioedema, respiratory and gastrointestinal signs and even anaphylactic shock. Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (FDEIA) introduces food in the syndrome and is revealed by a chronological sequence in which food intake, followed by exercise, induces symptoms after a varying period. When the food intake and the exercise are independent of each other, there are no symptoms. FDEIA is not very frequent. Identifying the culprit food allergen depends on the patient's eating habits. Crustaceans and wheat flour are the two commonest but others foods can be implicated. The patho-physiology of FDEIA has not been clearly established but it appears to result from degranulation of mast cells. As with food allergy, FDEIA diagnosis is based on interview, skin and biological tests and challenge. For the clinical signs of allergy, antihistamines, corticosteroids and epinephrine may be administered. Prophylaxis aims to prevent a recurrence; the patient should be given an emergency kit to deal with any recurrent episode. After the food allergen has been identified, it should be avoided for at least 4 to 5 hours before any exercise.

Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine: literature review

Chlorhexidine, an antiseptic belonging to family of biguanides, is used extensively in the medical and surgical environment. Late onset hypersensitivity and eczema occur regularly and are well documented events. Conversely, immediate hypersensitivity, sometimes taking the form of acute urticaria that can result in anaphylactic shock, is rarer. These manifestations can occur during contact of the skin or mucosa with chlorhexidine. Out of the fifty case reports of chlorhexidine-related anaphylaxis published worldwide over the past ten years, fifteen occurred during surgery. Signs generally appear from 15 to 45 minutes after the start of anesthesia. If there is any suspicion of immediate allergy to chlorhexidine, prick-tests or even intradermal reaction (IDR) techniques are highly recommended. In the event of confirmed allergy to chlorhexidine, strict eviction is required, bearing in mind that over a hundred medicinal products currently on the French market contain chlorhexidine.

Anaphylactic shock induced by gadoterate meglumine (DOTAREM)

The use of contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging improves the effectiveness of this diagnostic examination. Complexes of godolinium, which appear to be well tolerated, are used for this purpose. A few cases of anaphylactic shock have been attributed to these agents. We report a case of anaphylactic shock due to gadoterate meglumine (DOTAREM). While undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging examination, a 33-year-old nonatopic female patient became severely hypotensive, lost consciousness, and had generalized erythema immediately after the intravenous injection of this product. She recovered rapidly after she was given injection of epinephrine and her blood volume was restored with intravenous fluids. That DOTAREM had caused this immediate hypersensitivity reaction was proven by the positivity of prick-test and intradermal test at 10-3 (0.37 mg/ml) and in vitro leukocyte histamine release test. The results of these tests indicated that it was the gadoteric acid rather than the meglumine component of DOTAREM that was responsible: positivity of IDR at 10 mg/ml. Skin tests and leukocyte histamine release test to gadopentetate dimeglumine (MAGNEVIST) were negative. In addition of the exceptional character, this observation provides evidence for an immediate hypersensitivity without cross reactivity with gadopentetate dimeglumine.

[Allergies in orthodontics]

In contrast with work-related allergies amongst dentists and dental prosthetictists, allergies in patients followed in orthodontics concerning the materials placed in the mouth were rare. It may be a question of limited manifestations in the buccal cavity (urticaria, angio-oedema, stomatitis, chellitis), or more generalised manifestations (Quincke's oedema, eczema). The number of materials used in orthodontics is limited. The observations concerning metals are less numerous whilst those that concern the resins are exceptional. On the other hand, the risk linked to latex is very real. Allergy investigations require skin tests, sometimes to mucous tests and in some cases to provocation tests. Use of eviction measures may be not only the only diagnostic method but also a therapeutic method. Systematic search for an allergy to metal or a resin posed by the prosthetic material does not seem to be necessary. In the case of suspicion of latex, confirmed ultimately by an allergic history, this imposes start of the eviction measures.

[Anaphylactoid reactions and late skin reactions to iodinated contrast media: present state of the question--idea development]

PURPOSE

Adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media (ICM) share various mechanisms. Anaphylactoid reactions are among the most serious reactions when they are characterized by the elevation of seric tryptase. Pretreatment with corticosteroids and anti-H1 or the use of non-ionic contrast media do not prevent anaphylaxis. Late skin reactions could be mostly related to delayed hypersensitivity. Previous reactions to contrast media, cardiovascular disorders, beta-blockers, asthma, and atopy are risk factors. Female gender and age increase the severity.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

Anaphylaxis can be demonstrated by intradermal tests and the identification of specific IgEs. Delayed hypersensitivity is shown by the results of epicutaneous tests and the immunohistology of the skin.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

Allergologic tests are advised in the case of previous reactions. In case of emergency, gadopentetate dimeglumine can be alternatively used. The other risk factors lead to the combination of pretreatment and use of non-ionic monomeric contrast media. Immediate hypersensitivity to iodinated media might increase in the near future with the use of divalent molecules.

Smooth muscle differentiation in human vein wall at valvular level: comparison with nonvalvular wall and correlation with venous function

The aim of this study was to evaluate local differences in smooth muscle differentiation in venous valves of patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency, in relation to functional hemodynamic parameters measured by echo Doppler. These functional parameters did not correlate with smooth muscle differentiation at the valvular site. These results failed to support an initiating role of valvular structure in the development of chronic venous insufficiency. However, this work stresses differences in cellular differentiation of valve wall and nonvalvular smooth muscle cells in culture, and we found histologic differences in the structure of endovein and media (connective tissue relative content) between valvular and nonvalvular venous wall. The presence of smooth muscle cells in the valve cusp was demonstrated by smooth muscle alpha-actin-specific labeling and was observed to be restricted to one side of the valve cusp.

Influence of the status of the contralateral carotid artery on the outcome of carotid surgery

From 1985 to 1995, 747 carotid arteries were operated on in 694 patients, who were under general anesthesia and continuous electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring. These patients were divided into three groups according to contralateral carotid status. Group 1 consisted of 58 patients who had contralateral occlusion; group 2, 53 patients who had contralateral stenosis and bilateral staged surgery; and group 3, 583 patients who had nonstenotic contralateral internal carotid artery. All groups were similar with regard to age and sex ratio. There were more asymptomatic patients in group 3 than in group 1 (39.9% vs. 25.8%) (p < 0.05), and less preoperative strokes in group 2 than in the other groups (3.7% vs. 17.2% and 13. 6%, respectively) (p < 0.05). Among risk factors, smoking was less frequent in group 3 (59.5%) than in group 1 (82.7%) and group 2 (77%) (p < 0.01), and coronary artery disease was more frequent in group 2 (60%) than in group 1 (32.7%) and Group 3 (26.4%) (p < 0.01). EEG changes occurred more frequently in group 1 (25.8%) than in group 2 [5.6% (first stage) and 3.8% (second stage)] and in group 3 (4.9%) (p < 0.01). A shunt was used only when EEG changes did not disappear after pharmacologic increasing of central blood pressure, which occurred more frequently in group 1 (10.3%) than in group 2 (0%) and group 3 (0.3%) (p < 0.05). The combined morbidity/mortality rate was similar for groups 1 and 3 (1.7% and 1.5%, respectively), however, transient morbidity was more frequent in group 1 (6.9%) than in group 3 (1.5%) (p < 0.05). The combined morbidity/mortality rate was higher in group 2 than in group 3 (7.5% vs. 1.5%) (p < 0. 05), and all strokes in group 2 were seen during the second-stage operation. In conclusion, contralateral carotid artery occlusion had minimal influence over carotid surgery results. Selective use of a shunt based on EEG monitoring prevented ischemic strokes, with minimal neurologic morbidity. Contralateral carotid stenosis did not affect operative strategy for first stage, but we noted a higher incidence of strokes during the second procedure.

Video-assisted aortofemoral bypass: results in seven cases

Between September 1995 and February 1996 we attempted to perform video-assisted aortofemoral bypass in nine patients. All patients were male with a mean age of 58.7 years, mean weight of 64.7 kg, and mean height of 1.69 m. In two patients it was necessary to switch to open laparotomy due to inadequate aortic exposure in one and extensive aortic calcification in the other. Aortobifemoral bypass was performed by the transperitoneal approach in three patients and unilateral aortofemoral bypass by the retroperitoneal approach in four patients. Exposure was more difficult by the transperitoneal approach. Postoperative graft patency was excellent in all patients. Video-assisted surgery did not shorten the delay to resumption of intestinal transit but it did reduce the duration of hospitalization and need for postoperative analgesia. Our experience suggests that video-assisted aortofemoral bypass without laparotomy can be performed and that it allows more rapid patient recovery.

Radiation-induced arterial disease of the lower limb

We describe a case of radiation injury to the superficial femoral and upper popliteal arteries in a 39-year-old man treated 13 years earlier for an osteosarcoma of the right femur. Following two failed attempts at transluminal angioplasty, a saphenous vein femoropopliteal bypass graft was performed successfully. A comprehensive review of the literature on radiation-induced arterial injury to the limbs is presented with a discussion of the different management options. Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty seems to have no place in the treatment of such lesions.

[Pre- and intraoperative management of heparin cross hypersensitivity. Apropos of a case]

A patient with a Starr prosthetic heart valve for 13 years developed chronic idiopathic thrombocytopaenic purpura and a highly probable crossed allergy to heparin. As the valve needed to be replaced, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery was undertaken associating heparin with lioprost and Aprotinine. In this type of situation, aggregation of control platelets by the patient's plasma in the presence of unfractionated heparin and of low molecular weight heparin justifies the use of powerful antiplatelet agents such as lioprost which was associated with Aprotinine for its platelet protective effects. This original combination allowed successful cardiopulmonary bypass surgery under unfractionated heparin under excellent conditions with minimal blood loss. This case underlines the value of this approach for cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia.

[Calcified proliferation of the descending thoracic aorta]

Endoaortic calcific proliferation is a rare condition which causes progressive occlusion of the aortic lumen by endoluminal concretions. Symptoms are related to the resulting ischaemia and systemic hypertension caused by increased cardiac afterload. The authors report an exceptional case with a descending thoracic aortic lesion causing symptoms suggesting medullary ischaemia by partial occlusion of arteries supplying the spinal cord. The physiopathological mechanisms and therapeutic approaches are discussed with respect to a review of the literature.

Is the incidence of recurrent carotid artery stenosis influenced by the choice of the surgical technique? Carotid endarterectomy versus saphenous vein bypass

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of recurrent carotid artery stenosis (RCS) after carotid endartarectomy (CEA) and saphenous vein grafting (SVG) in patients with bilateral carotid artery stenosis.

METHODS

Between 1978 and 1990, 1483 patients underwent carotid artery surgery at our institution. Fifty-one patients were diagnosed with bilateral carotid artery stenosis and were included in a prospective study that consisted of performance of CEA on one side and SVG on the other. The patients consisted of 34 men and 17 women. Forty patients had symptoms, and 11 were symptom free with severe (> or = 90%) bilateral carotid artery stenosis. All patients underwent a two-stage procedure with an operative interval that ranged from 5 days to 6 months.

RESULTS

All patients survived, and no permanent postoperative neurologic deficit was observed. Follow-up was available for all patients and ranged from 6 to 150 months (mean 52 months). Serial Doppler studies were performed in all patients at 6- to 9-month intervals. Unilateral RCS (> or = 80%) occurred in two cases (two of 102); one in a CEA (one of 51) and one in the distal anastomosis of a SVG (one of 51) at 6 and 8 months, respectively, after operation. The reoperative surgical technique performed in both cases was a SVG.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of RCS requiring repeat operation after carotid artery surgery is not influenced by the choice of the surgical technique, namely CEA or saphenous vein bypass.

[Internal mammary arteriovenous fistula. An unusual complication of sternotomy treated by embolization]

A case of arteriovenous fistula and false aneurysm of the internal mammary artery due to sternotomy is reported. The diagnosis was suspected by echo-Doppler and confirmed by arteriography, allowing percutaneous embolization in the same session.

Percutaneous embolization of an arteriovenous fistula of the internal mammary pedicle following sternal wire insertion

A case of traumatic arteriovenous fistula and false aneurysm of the internal mammary artery was encountered following sternal wire insertion during cardiac surgery. The diagnosis was suspected by echo-doppler and confirmed by arteriography allowing percutaneous embolization using cyanoacrylate in the same setting.

[Percutaneous endoluminal angioplasty of the supra-aortic arterial trunks. Immediate and remote results]

Twelve tight stenoses (9 of the subclavian artery, 1 of the axillary artery and 2 of the brachio-cephalic artery) were dilated with immediate satisfactory results in all cases. Only one complication (regressive lesion of the median nerve) was recorded. Eight patients were followed-up for a mean period of 13 months: all were symptom-free, and digital angiography by the intravenous route showed a stable image of patency. From a review of published dilatations of the subclavian artery it appeared that the method is 95% effective, that its mortality is nil and that no complication, notably embolism, has been reported. In view of the risks involved in surgical procedures and of the advantages of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, at least in theory, this technique seems to be a suitable alternative to surgery in stenoses of the subclavian arteries.

[Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the iliac arteries. Immediate and long-term results]

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed 30 times in 28 patients aged from 31 to 77 years (mean: 50.8 years) with stenosis of the iliac arteries. All patients were evaluated before and immediately after PTA by measuring the trans-stenotic pressure gradient and the degree of angiographic stenosis (grade 1 less than or equal to 50%; grade 2 = 50 to less than 75% and grade 3 greater than or equal to 75%). Prior to PTA 27 patients had grade 3 and three patients had grade 2 stenosis. The figures after PTA were 23 grade 1 and seven grade 2 stenosis. The mean trans-stenotic pressure gradient was reduced from 43 +/- 35 to 2.3 +/- 5.9 mmHg, the difference being highly significant (p less than 0.001). Eighteen patients were evaluated clinically and angiographically 8.4 +/- 6.1 months after PTA. Considerable clinical improvement was observed in 15, and 16 had a residual stenosis of less than 50%. PTA therefore appears to be a satisfactory treatment of stenosis of the iliac arteries. The long-term results can be assessed by graded intravenous angiography without any risk of damage to the arteries.

[Coronary surgery combined with peripheral vascular surgery. Apropos of 10 cases]

Coronary artery surgery may be envisaged in the context of diffuse arterial disease, especially in association with lesions of the cerebral and lower limb axes. The object of this paper is to advance the concept of coronary surgery coupled with peripheral vascular surgery. Ten patients underwent double revascularisation (coronary and peripheral vessels) between 1977 and 1979. In Group I (5 patients) coronary surgery was coupled with simultaneous cerebral revascularisation (1 aorto-brachiocephalic bypass and 4 endarterectomies). Group II comprised 5 patients undergoing simultaneous coronary and aorto-bifemoral bypass surgery. No operative deaths or serious complications were observed in this short series. The practical conclusions are in favour of widening the indications for simultaneous coronary and cerebral revascularisation. However, the indications for coronary surgery coupled with lower limb revascularisation must be precise and, therefore, more limited.