Publication
Title
In vitro diagnosis of immediate drug hypersensitivity : should we go with the flow?
Author
Abstract
Background: Diagnosis of immediate drug hypersensitivity reactions (IDHRs) is based upon history taking, skin prick or intradermal tests and quantification of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Unfortunately, this is often insufficient to correctly identify patients with IgE-mediated IDHRs and is impossible in the case of non-IgE-mediated IDHRs. Drug provocation tests (DPT) are considered the 'gold standard' diagnostic but are not always possible, for ethical and practical reasons. Therefore, the validation of new cellular tests such as basophil activation testing (BAT) was necessary. This review focuses on the applications of BAT in IDHRs. Methods: A literature search was conducted, using the words basophil, flow cytometry, immediate drug allergy and drugs; this was complemented by the authors' own expertise. Results: BAT/HistaFlow (R) is a useful diagnostic tool in IDHRs, mainly used to diagnose allergy to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and iodinated radiocontrast media. Its sensitivity varies between 50 and 60%, and specificity attains 80%, except for with quinolones and NSAIDs. Conclusions: The diagnostic utility of BAT (and to lesser extent HistaFlow) has been demonstrated and is mostly applied in IDHRs. However, larger-scale collaborative studies are necessary to optimize test protocols and validate the entry of BAT as a diagnostic instrument in drug allergy. (C) 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel
Language
English
Source (journal)
International archives of allergy and immunology. - Basel, 1992, currens
Publication
Basel : Karger , 2015
ISSN
1018-2438
DOI
10.1159/000440663
Volume/pages
168 :1 (2015) , p. 3-12
ISI
000367185800002
Pubmed ID
26524156
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Project info
Anaesthesia-related allergy: from new insights in pathomechanisms to reliable diagnostic instruments.
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 16.02.2016
Last edited 04.03.2024
To cite this reference