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Reactions to contrast media are unpredictable. This article examines the use of iodinated and gadolinium-based contrast agents in medical imaging. It explores their clinical presentation, associated risk factors, precautions prior to their administration, and treatment options in the event of a reaction. By highlighting these essential aspects, the article aims to inform healthcare professionals on the safe and effective management of these agents during imaging procedures. The effectiveness of the different premedication protocols proposed in the literature has not yet been established. In particular, premedication does not prevent serious allergic reactions., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Introduction: Allopurinol, widely used in the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, has been shown to cause severe cutaneous reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as systemic reactions such as DRESS (Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms). The HLA-B*5801 allele is known to be a risk factor for severe cutaneous manifestations of hypersensitivity to allopurinol, mostly in Asian populations., Observation: We report the observation of a 47-year-old Chinese patient, with no previous medical history, carrying the HLA-B*5801 allele, who developed an isolated allopurinol hypersensitivity necrotizing renal vasculitis without cutaneous manifestations., Discussion: . The identification of this allele should be proposed before prescribing allopurinol in patients originating from certain regions of Asia, and the imputability of allopurinol should be evoked in case of necrotizing renal vasculitis, even without associated cutaneous involvement., (Copyright © 2022 Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The assessment of a patient's allergic risk can be based on the ABCDE methodology to be standardized. Hospital monitoring should be routine in case of signs of anaphylaxis., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Insulin allergy is a rare entity, complex to manage. Several types of hypersensitivity reaction are described, depending on the allergens (insulin itself vs additives). Type I, so-called immediate, IgE-mediated reactions are the most common. Their management requires a careful history and examination, as well as an allergological consult. If an IgE-mediated allergy is confirmed, insulin avoidance is recommended whenever possible. If insulin treatment is mandatory, another type of insulin may be offered. In case of failure, desensitization should be discussed, either via a dedicated protocol, or via insulin pump. In this article, we summarize the available data from the literature., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Intravenous iron infusions rarely result in severe hypersensitivity reactions. The primary suspected hypersensitivity mechanism is an abnormal complement activation by non-IgE antibodies to the carbohydrate moieties stabilizing iron formulations. A major risk factor for hypersensitivity reactions is related to the infusion speed. Fishbane-like reactions usually resolve after pausing the infusion, which can be resumed under medical surveillance and at a lower infusion rate. Yet, anaphylactic reactions require emergency first aid and subsequent strict avoidance of intravenous iron. Desensitization protocols can be implemented in selected cases and under strict medical surveillance to reduce the risks of severe reactions upon re-exposure., Competing Interests: Les auteurs n’ont déclaré aucun conflit d’intérêts en relation avec cet article.

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are now major actors for the treatment of non-small-cell metastatic lung cancers where ROS 1 gene rearrangement is present. Because of the rapid development of these new therapies, developing information about their monitoring and knowledge about their potential toxicities is essential. We describe the case of a patient who was treated with ceritinib as a third line approach for a metastatic lung adenocarcinoma with ROS1 rearrangement. After two months, the patient developed acute respiratory distress with pericarditis and pleurisy. A hypersensitivity reaction was suggested and supported by favorable clinical and radiological outcomes within three days following ceritinib discontinuation and systemic corticosteroid introduction. Pleural effusion, pericarditis and diffuse pulmonary infiltration associated to ceritinib have not often been described previously. Despite few data of pulmonary toxicity related to ceritinib, the current observation highlights the need for caution and regular monitoring when using these inhibitors., (Copyright © 2019 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common providers of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. Among these reactions, isolated acute urticaria is the most common clinical feature with a non-allergic origin. It is a pharmacological side effect resulting from the alteration of arachidonic acid metabolism induced by NSAIDs. Diagnosis of this acute urticaria is clinical, requiring no allergy testing. Currently, the recommended therapeutic management of NSAID urticaria is the avoidance of all NSAID with COX-1 inhibitor activity (even if when reintroduced, they are most often well tolerated) and the use of selective COX-2 inhibitors. This review focuses on urticaria reactions to NSAIDs, which are simple to manage., (Copyright © 2019 Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

In this article, we performed a review of all new data of clinical relevance for the dermatologists that were published in the medical literature between September, 2017 and September, 2018. Besides advances that will be useful in day-to-day dermatological practice, we intended to give a more general perspective to this review by taking into account certain international health issues that might in final concern each of us in a globalized world. Focus were more particularly done on the following topics: infectious diseases (including sexually transmitted infections), neglected tropical diseases, adverse effects of drugs, bullous diseases, allergology, wound healing, dermatology on black skin, and public health dermatology., (© 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits réservés.)

The Fernand Widal syndrome is a set of associations between asthma, nasal polyposis and aspirin sensitivity. Selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX 2) inhibitors are recognized as being a therapeutic alternative in cases needing analgesic or anti-inflammatory treatment. In a retrospective study, we have compiled data concerning oral provocation tests (OPT) undertaken with celecoxib, one of most the selective COX 2 inhibitors, in eight patients with the Fernand Widal syndrome. They were compared with twenty-seven control patients with sensitivity to aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, manifesting as asthma, urticaria or rhino-conjunctivitis. Four patients with the Fernand Widal syndrome developed bronchospasm after taking the usually recommended daily dose of celecoxib while all the control patients tolerated it. The Fernand Widal patients who reacted during the OPT had a lower threshold of reactivity to aspirin, a more severe reaction with aspirin, and/or more severe asthma. In patients with the Fernand Widal syndrome, celecoxib is not always a possible alternative to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Its introduction must be carried out in a hospital environment under medical supervision., (Copyright © 2017 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics is a common condition and about 10% of patients report being allergic to penicillin. However, this diagnosis is largely overestimated. Two types of allergy should be distinguished and include immediate hypersensitivity that can lead to anaphylactic shock and delayed hypersensitivity, ranging from the most common maculopapular exanthema to severe bullous toxidermia or life-threatening DRESS. Allergy challenge with oriented skin tests according to the clinical features, supplemented with oral challenge in the absence of contraindication, will confirm or invalidate the diagnosis of beta-lactam allergy and will help to identify if necessary safe alternatives to beta-lactams., (Copyright © 2017 Société Nationale Française de Médecine Interne (SNFMI). Published by Elsevier SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim: The rate of hypersensitivity reactions to platinum salts (PS) and taxanes (TX) is on the increase. The aim of our study was to show the value of skin testing and efficacy of rapid drug desensitization., Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted between January 2007 and February 2016 in patients consulting for immediate or delayed hypersensitivity to PS and TX. Skin prick tests (pT) and intradermal reaction tests (IDR) were performed according to the ENDA/EAACI recommendations. We used a 12-step desensitization protocol for rapid drug desensitization., Results: Among the 99 patients included (30 men, 69 women, age 60.4) PS were suspected in 86 cases and taxanes in 13 cases. Skin tests were positive in 25 patients (7 pT, 18 IDR), 23 for platinum salts and 2 for taxanes. Rapid drug desensitization was proposed in 50 patients and performed in 33 (30 PS and 3 TX), proved effective in 29 patients, with protocol adaptation being necessary in 7 cases, and was ineffective in 4 patients. The skin tests for the latter 4 patients were positive. Seventy-five percent of patients with positive skin tests to oxaliplatin presented hypersensitivity reactions during desensitization, i.e. twice as many as patients having negative skin tests. Two percent of patient for PS and 7% for TX had cross reactivity., Conclusion: This French study confirms the efficacy of the 12-step protocol that allows patients to receive chemotherapy after hypersensitivity reaction. Skin test permits the detection of cross-reactions but their practice must be considered based on the patient's history., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Antiepileptic drugs are widely used and are associated with numerous side effects including skin eruptions. Epicutaneous tests have been used with variable success in skin drug reactions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the profitability of epicutaneous tests in delayed hypersensitivity reactions induced by antiepileptic drugs., Methods: We analyzed all cases of allergic skin reactions to antiepileptic drugs notified in regional pharmacovigilance center of Sfax (Tunisia) between June 1, 2014 and April 30, 2016. The imputation score, determined using the French imputation method, should be at least doubtful. Patch-tests were performed in accordance with the general Europen network on Drug Allergy/European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (ENDA/EAACI) guidelines. Patch-tests were read according to the generally accepted criteria of the International contact dermatitis research group (ICDRG)., Results: In our study, 20 patients were included, among which 23 events were observed. The drug involved in delayed hypersensitivity reactions was carbamazepine in 11 cases, phenobarbital in 10 cases and valproic acid in 4 cases. The clinical reactions caused by the drug were classified as maculopapular exanthema (11 cases), DRESS syndrome (6 cases), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (2 cases), fixed drug eruption (2 cases) and erythroderma (2 cases). Patch-tests were positive in 19 patients (95 %). Cross-reactivity between antiepileptic drugs was observed in 4 cases: between valproic acid and carbamazepine in 2 cases between valproic acid and phenobarbital in 1 case and between phenobarbital and carbamazepine in 1 case., Conclusion: In this study, patch testing was a safe and useful method in confirming the culprit drug in delayed hypersensitivity reactions induced by antiepileptic drugs., (Copyright © 2017 Société française de pharmacologie et de thérapeutique. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Treatment for Platinum Sensitive Relapses of Ovarian Cancer: Despite large improvements in treatment efficacy, the cure rate of ovarian cancer has not radically changed. Relapses both remain frequent and are still synonymous with chronic disease. Most of them are platinum-sensitive, and can be successfully treated with successive lines of chemotherapy. Surgery may have a role to play but its real impact, population selection criteria, and adequate timing still have to be established. Regarding medical treatments, the availability of new targeted therapeutics, such as bevacizumab and olaparib, complicates decision making. Moreover, allergic drug reactions to platins worsen treatment management. In practice, treatment decision making integrates patient profiles and wishes, types and numbers of previous medical treatments along with BRCA status., (© 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. Tous droits réservés.)

Allergy to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) has been the first cause of perioperative anaphylaxis for decades, in most countries. The most frequently involved agents are suxamethonium and rocuronium. The allergy work-up is compulsory to demonstrate or rule out allergy to NMBAs, if there is a compatible clinical history. Doing otherwise exposes the patient to death if the same or related NMBA is re-injected. In cases of true allergy, assessing cross-reactivity to other NMBAs is mandatory. The cross-sensitization hypothesis is presently being investigated and if confirmed, it could allow primary prevention measures to be implemented., (Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

"Iodine allergy" does not exist. The concept of "iodine allergy" should be abandoned since it may result in inappropriate measures such as drug, food or environmental eviction. Immediate or non-immediate allergic hypersensitivity to iodinated contrast media is not infrequent. The corresponding allergens have not been identified. Iodine is not involved. Immediate or non-immediate allergic hypersensitivity to povidone iodine is rare. The corresponding allergen is povidone in case of immediate hypersensitivity while nonoxynol might be involved during non-immediate hypersensitivity. Seafood allergens belong to a group of muscle proteins. Immediate drug hypersensitivity or food hypersensitivity is assessed by immediate-reading skin tests while non-immediate drug hypersensitivity is investigated by delayed-reading skin testing. Combined histamine and tryptase measurement is invaluable during the diagnostic approach of immediate hypersensitivity. Other biological tests are being evaluated. Allergic hypersensitivity to iodinated contrast agents does not contraindicate the use of other iodinated drugs., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Drug-induced urticaria and/or angioedema is a frequent issue encountered in family medicine. A specific collection of the anamnesis and of the general context is very important to appreciate the involved mechanism, allergic or not, and potential cofactors. If in doubt about an allergic mechanism, tests will be conducted, mostly under a hospital setting. Bradykinin-mediated angioedema, so much rare than histamine-mediated one, has to be known, because it is potentially lethal. It is often iatrogenic (ACE inhibitors especially). At the end of the allergology work-up, a course of action is proposed to the patient and his family practitioner as far as the rechallenge of the drug is concerned, In case of non-allergic urticaria, much more frequent than allergy, taking the drug is possible with a premedication with antihistamines.

Recent advances in medical genomics open new perspectives for personalized medicine through the identification of genetic variants that influence drug response and/or the risk of side effects. Today, the clinical applications of pharmacogenetics remain scarce as a consequence of the cost and turn-around-time of genetic tests. However, a few tests are recommended, for instance before the prescription of some anti-cancer agents or the anti-retroviral agent abacavir. In the future, we will probably move either towards rapid targeted tests or towards a large screening, before any diagnosis, of all the genetic factors influencing the therapeutic response. In that case, physicians will have to consult the patient genomic data before drug prescription in order to personalize the choice of the therapeutic agent or its dosage. However, such a genomic approach brings economical and ethical questions and will require further progress in our capacity to interpret and store the personal genomic data without compromising their confidentiality.

Introduction: In routine medical practice, the diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity (AH) remains difficult. No clinical feature or biomarker is available to reliably confirm this diagnosis and oral provocation tests (OPT) are rarely performed., Aim: To compare asthmatics with and without AH., Method: The clinical characteristics of 21 asthmatics with and 24 without AH respectively were determined. AH was defined by a positive OPT. A full blood count was done before and 24 hours after the OPT., Results: The medical history was associated with a weak sensitivity (52%) and a good specificity (96%) for assessing the diagnosis of AH. There was a higher prevalence of AH in women, and a higher frequency of allergic rhinitis in AH, but no characteristic was useful to facilitate the diagnosis of AH in asthmatic patients. Our results demonstrate higher values of platelets in AH patients. Following OPT, in AH patients only, a decrease in blood eosinophils and an increase in neutrophils was observed., Conclusions: These results confirm that the diagnosis of AH is challenging, with the history having only weak sensitivity. The observation that fluctuations in eosinophils and neutrophils occur following OPT in AH patients only warrants further investigations and suggests a rapid pro-inflammatory role for aspirin., (Copyright © 2014 SPLF. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)