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Background Calculated globulin fraction is derived from the liver function tests by subtracting albumin from the total protein. Since immunoglobulins comprise the largest component of the serum globulin concentration, increased or decreased calculated globulins and may identify patients with hypogammaglobulinaemia or hypergammaglobulinaemia, respectively. Methods A retrospective study of laboratory data over 2.5 years from inpatients at three tertiary hospitals was performed. Patients with paired calculated globulins and immunoglobulin results were identified and clinical details reviewed. The results of serum electrophoresis testing were also assessed where available. Results A total of 4035 patients had paired laboratory data available. A calculated globulin ≤20 g/L (4th percentile) were seen in patients with either liver disease (37%), haematological malignancy (36%), autoimmune disease (13%) or infections (9%). Conclusions Calculated globulin is an inexpensive and easily available test that assists in the identification of hypogammaglobulinaemia or hypergammaglobulinaemia which may prompt further investigation and reduce diagnostic delays.

Background Granulomatous polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare multisystem autoimmune disease of unknown aetiology that is pathologically characterised by necrotising vasculitis, tissue necrosis and granulomatous inflammation, typically in the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). However infectious diseases may induce high titre ANCA and mimic vasculitis. Tuberculosis may share many clinical features with GPA including fever, arthralgia, granulomatous inflammation and pulmonary lesions and patients. Case presentation A 39 year old patient was admitted with ocular irritation and redness, arthralgia and multiple new pulmonary lesions. The past medical history was significant for two episodes of tuberculosis previously requiring prolonged treatment. ANCA antibodies were positive and CT showed multiple pulmonary lesions including cavitatory lesions. After extensive investigation, the patient was treated for GPA with high dose immune suppression with good clinical response. Conclusions Here we review the diagnostic considerations between differentiating GPA and tuberculosis in patients from endemic regions. It is recommended that biopsies of lung lesions, sputum microscopy and multidisciplinary team input are sought as part of the workup when these two differentials are being considered.

Coeliac disease (CD) diagnosis is based on clinical assessment, detection of specific autoantibodies and histological examination of small intestinal biopsies. The European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines have recently been updated and recommend CD may be diagnosed without a biopsy or HLA typing in symptomatic patients with high titre IgA tissue transglutaminase antibodies (aTTG) and positive endomysial antibodies (EMA). However, the need for EMA in patients with high level aTTG has been questioned. We aimed to determine the diagnostic benefit of HLA typing, EMA and IgG antibodies to deamidated gliadin (DGP) in children with high level aTTG. We prospectively evaluated children presenting for assessment of possible CD. All patients underwent small bowel biopsy, serological testing and HLA typing. Results were analysed and correlated with histopathological diagnosis. A total of 209 children were assessed; 61.5% were found to have CD and 29% could have avoided biopsy as per 2020 ESPGHAN guidelines. Titres of aTTG ≥60 U/mL or DGP ≥28 U/mL gave 100% specificity and 100% positive predictive value (PPV) for CD. HLA typing and EMA did not improve the PPV of patients with aTTG ≥60 U/mL, but addition of DGP ≥28 U/mL improved diagnostic sensitivity whilst retaining 100% specificity. Addition of HLA and EMA testing in patients with high titre aTTG antibodies does not improve diagnostic performance and may possibly be omitted from the serological workup in these patients. Our data support combining aTTG and DGP testing and optimising cut-offs to maximise specificity as an alternative biopsy-free diagnostic approach.

Muscular polyarteritis nodosa where disease is isolated to skeletal muscle is a rare and often poorly recognised clinical entity. Patients typically present with fever and severe muscle pain limiting ability to ambulate without rise in creatine kinase. Often there is a significant delay between presentation and diagnosis, which requires histological confirmation. Musculoskeletal MRI is a sensitive investigation that can lead to timely biopsy and improve diagnostic yield. Early diagnosis of this condition is essential as patients typically respond favourably to corticosteroid treatment. Here we report 4 cases of muscular polyarteritis nodosa and review the reported literature.

Variants in MAGT1 have been identified as the cause of an immune deficiency termed X-linked immunodeficiency with magnesium defect, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and neoplasia (XMEN) disease. Here, we describe 2 cases of XMEN disease due to novel mutations in MAGT1, one of whom presented with classical features of XMEN disease and another who presented with a novel phenotype including probable CNS vasculitis, HHV-8 negative multicentric Castelman disease and severe molluscum contagiosum, thus highlighting the clinical diversity that may be seen in this condition. Peripheral blood immunophenotyping of these 2 patients, together with an additional 4 XMEN patients, revealed reduced NKG2D expression, impaired CD28 expression on CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cell lymphopenia, an inverted CD4:CD8 ratio and decreased memory B cells. In addition, we showed for the first time alterations to the CD8+ T cell memory compartment, reduced CD56hi NK cells, MAIT and iNKT cells, as well as compromised differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into IL-21-producing Tfh-type cells in vitro. Both patients were treated with supplemental magnesium with limited benefit. However, one patient has undergone allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant, with full donor chimerism and immune reconstitution. These results expand our understanding of the clinical and immunological phenotype in XMEN disease, adding to the current literature, which we further discuss here.

Background The extra-intestinal manifestation of tracheobronchitis is a rare complication of ulcerative colitis (UC). Here, we present a case of UC-related tracheobronchitis wherein the positive clinical effects of infliximab are demonstrated. Case presentation We report the case of a 39-year old woman who presented with a chronic productive cough on a distant background of surgically managed ulcerative colitis (UC). Our patient failed to achieve a satisfactory clinical improvement despite treatment with high dose inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids and azathioprine. Infliximab therapy was commenced and was demonstrated to achieve macroscopic and symptomatic remission of disease. Conclusions We present the first case report documenting the benefits of infliximab in UC-related tracheobronchitis.

The role of autoantibody testing for patients with interstitial lung disease is an evolving area. Recent guidelines recommend routine anti-nuclear antibodies, rheumatoid factor, and anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide antibody testing for patients undergoing diagnostic evaluation for interstitial lung disease, with further autoantibody testing reserved for selected cases guided by rheumatological features. Even this approach may miss patients with clinically significant autoantibodies when interstitial lung disease is the dominant or first manifestation of autoimmune disease. We retrospectively performed autoimmune serology in a clinically well characterised cohort of interstitial lung disease patients. Using stored serum, additional testing was performed to ensure all patients had complete autoantibody profiles including anti-nuclear antibodies, extractable nuclear antigen antibodies, double-stranded DNA antibodies, rheumatoid factor, anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide antibodies, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, and myositis antibodies. Eighty patients with interstitial lung disease, and available stored serum, were assessed. Mean age at interstitial lung disease diagnosis was 65.2 years and 42 patients were male. Positive autoimmune serology was found in 56 of 80 (70.0%) patients; the most common positive result was anti-nuclear antibodies (n=34; 42.5%). Myositis antibodies were detected in 13 of 80 (16.2%) patients. Four (5%) patients had elevated anti-citrullinated cyclic peptide antibodies, and two (2.5%) patients had detectable myeloperoxidase antibodies. Eleven (13.7%) patients with negative anti-nuclear antibodies had other significant disease associated autoantibodies. An extended panel of autoantibody testing may detect cases of connective tissue disease associated interstitial lung disease, regardless of clinical or radiological subtype, and prior to extra-pulmonary manifestations of systemic autoimmunity.

Current understanding of cross-reactivity in severe cutaneous adverse reactions to beta-lactam antibiotics is limited, thereby making recommendations for future prescribing difficult. The underlying immunopathogenesis of these reactions is not completely understood but involves interactions between small molecule drugs, T cells and HLA molecules. Historically, these reactions were considered to be specific to the inciting antibiotic and therefore likely to have minimal cross-reactivity. We assessed patients presenting with non-SJS/TEN severe cutaneous adverse reactions to a tertiary hospital drug allergy clinic. In our case series cross-reactivity or co-reactivity commonly occurred among the beta-lactam antibiotic class, however further research is required to investigate and understand patterns of cross-reactivity. Based on our experience we provide clinicians with a practical algorithm for testing for cross-reactivity in non-SJS/TEN severe cutaneous adverse reactions.

This consensus document outlines the recommendations from the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy Transplantation and Primary Immunodeficiency group for the diagnosis and management of patients with severe combined immunodeficiency. It also provides a proposed framework for the early investigation, management and supportive care prior to haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Objective Globally, grass pollens (GP) are major aeroallergen triggers of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma. However, patterns of allergic sensitisation to pollen of temperate (Pooideae: Lolium perenne) and subtropical (Chloridoideae: Cynodon dactylon and Panicoideae: Paspalum notatum) subfamilies in diverse climates remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the level of allergic sensitisation and IgE specificity for major GP allergens representing the three subfamilies in biogeographically distinct regions. Methods Participants (GP‐allergic with AR, 330; non‐atopic, 29; other allergies, 54) were recruited in subtropical: Queensland, and temperate: New South Wales, Western and South Australia, regions. Clinical history, skin prick test (SPT), total and specific IgE to GP and purified allergens (ImmunoCAP) were evaluated. Cross‐inhibition of sIgE with Pas n 1, Cyn d 1 and Lol p 1 by GP extracts was investigated. Results Queensland participants showed higher sensitisation to P. notatum and C. dactylon than L. perenne GP. sIgE was higher to Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1, and sIgE to Pas n 1 and Cyn d 1 was inhibited more by Panicoideae and Chloridoideae, respectively, than Pooideae GP. Conversely, participants from temperate regions showed highest sensitisation levels to L. perenne GP and Lol p 1, and sIgE to Lol p 1 was inhibited more by Pooideae than other GP. Conclusion Levels and patterns of sensitisation to subtropical and temperate GP in AR patients depended on biogeography. Knowledge of the specificity of sensitisation to local allergens is important for optimal diagnosis and choice of allergen‐specific immunotherapy to maximise benefit., Global distributions of grass subfamilies vary with climate and biogeography. Allergic rhinitis patients with grass pollen allergy, exemplified by four Australian climatic regions, showed higher levels of allergic sensitisation and specific IgE cross‐reactivity to pollen allergens of temperate (e.g. Lolium perenne: Lol p 1) or subtropical (e.g. Paspalum notatum: Pas n 1) grasses, depending upon biogeography. Understanding patterns of patient sensitisation to temperate and subtropical grass pollens is critical for optimal diagnosis and formulation of allergen immunotherapy.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) encompasses a large group of pulmonary conditions sharing common clinical, radiological and histopathological features as a consequence of fibrosis of the lung interstitium. The majority of ILDs are idiopathic in nature with possible genetic predisposition, but is also well recognised as a complication of connective tissue disease or with certain environmental, occupational or drug exposures. In recent years, a concerted international effort has been made to standardise the diagnostic criteria in ILD subtypes, formalise multidisciplinary pathways and standardise treatment recommendations. In this review, we discuss some of the current challenges around ILD diagnostics, the role of serological testing, especially, in light of the new classification of Interstitial Pneumonia with Autoimmune Features (IPAF) and discuss the evidence for therapies targeted at idiopathic and immune‐related pulmonary fibrosis., Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are a large group of conditions causing morbidity and mortality in all age groups. In addition to highlighting the benefits of a multidisciplinary diagnoses, we review developments in ILD diagnostics, especially around autoimmune disease and current evidence for newer therapeutics.

Pregnancy is known to be a time of increased susceptibility to acquiring to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and this increased maternal risk places the unborn child at risk of vertical transmission. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) involves the provision of antiretroviral therapy to an HIV-negative individual with ongoing risk of HIV exposure to limit the likelihood of HIV transmission. The inclusion of PrEP as part of a comprehensive strategy is recognised as an effective and safe means of reducing HIV infection in serodiscordant couples, thereby reducing the risk of vertical transmission of HIV. Current data suggest that PrEP is safe to continue during pregnancy and breastfeeding in HIV-negative women who remain vulnerable to acquiring HIV. The recent Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidisation of PrEP has reduced the financial and practical obstacles of PrEP provision, and a subsequent increase in patient awareness and acceptance of PrEP is expected. The framework for appropriately identifying and managing at-risk pregnant and lactating women requiring PrEP is poorly defined and warrants further clarification to better support clinicians and this patient group. This review discusses the current recommendations highlighting the gaps in the guidelines and makes some recommendations for future guideline development.

We report two cases of cryptococcosis, associated with anti-granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor antibodies. We review this recently identified acquired form of autoimmune immune deficiency and discuss the potential applications of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor antibody testing by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Background Patients frequently report antibiotic allergies; however, only 10% of labelled patients have a true allergy. Aim We investigated the documentation of antibiotic ‘allergy’ labels (AAL) and the effect of labelling on clinical outcomes, in a West Australian adult tertiary hospital. Methods Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of patients captured in the 2013 and 2014 National Antimicrobial Prescribing Surveys was carried out. Data were collected on documented antibiotic adverse drug reactions, antibiotic cost, prescribing appropriateness, prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms, length of stay, intensive care admission and readmissions. Results Of the 687 patients surveyed, 278 (40%) were aged 70 or above, 365 (53%) were male and 279 (41%) were prescribed antibiotics. AAL were recorded in 122 (18%) patients and the majority were penicillin labels (n = 87; 71%). Details of AAL were documented for 80 of 141 (57%) individual allergy labels, with 61 describing allergic symptoms. Patients with beta-lactam allergy labels received fewer penicillins (P = 0.0002) and more aminoglycosides (P = 0.043) and metronidazole (P = 0.021) than patients without beta-lactam labels. Five patients received an antibiotic that was contraindicated according to their allergy status. Patients with AAL had significantly more hospital readmissions within 4 weeks (P = 0.001) and 6 months (P = 0.025) of discharge, compared with unlabelled patients. The majority (81%) of readmitted labelled patients had major infections. Conclusions AAL are common, but poorly documented in hospital records. Patients with AAL are significantly more likely to require alternative antibiotics and hospital readmissions. There may be a role for antibiotic allergy delabelling to mitigate the clinical and economic burdens for patients with invalid allergy labels.

The objective of this study was to establish a population based reference range for a commercial immunoblot assay detecting myositis specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis associated autoantibodies (MAAs), and to assess the diagnostic performance of this reference range against the manufacturer's recommended ranges in a myositis patient cohort. A total of 124 patients from a myositis cohort and 197 healthy controls were serologically assessed using a commercial immunoblot containing eleven autoantigens (Jo-1, EJ, OJ, PL7, PL12, Mi-2, SRP, Ku, PMScl75, PMScl100 and Ro52) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use of the manufacturer's reference ranges resulted in detection of MSAs in 19.4% of myositis patients and 9.1% of controls; MAAs were detected in 41.1% of myositis patients and 14.2% of controls. Reference values derived from the healthy control population resulted in significant differences in cut-off values for some autoantibodies, particularly Ro52 and PMScl75. Use of local reference ranges reduced detection of MSAs to 16.9% of myositis patients and 3% of healthy controls, with MAAs 23.4% of patients and 2% of healthy controls. Application of population based reference ranges resulted in significant differences in detection of MSAs and MAAs compared to the manufacturer's recommended ranges. Cut-off levels should be assessed to ensure suitability for the population tested.

Background:Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic multiorgan disease with an unpredictable disease course, which requires monitoring for disease activity, treatment efficacy and comorbidity. Data on the healthcare utilization and cost of SLE, especially from Australia are scarce.Objectives:To determine the healthcare utilisation and estimated costs of inpatient admissions (IP), emergency (ED) and outpatient (OPD) hospital visits and investigations for SLE patients in Western Australia (WA).Methods:This is a longitudinal cohort study of SLE patients seen at a metropolitan public hospital, with ≥6 months of follow-up (n=179, 95% female; baseline age 36.2 ± 15.2 years). Electronic medical records provided data on OPD, ED and IP visits, and investigations conducted at public hospitals from January 2000 - December 2019. Direct healthcare costs were estimated from public hospital expenditure aggregates in FY2018/19.Results:During a median observation period of 11.0 years (IQR 7.4, 13.5), SLE patients required 13,320 OPD visits for a median of 5.3 (IQR 3.0, 9.3) appointments per annum. The majority of OPD visits were with Rheumatology (n=1,986, 14.9%), Immunology (n=1,527, 11.5%), and allied health services (n=1,952, 14.7%), followed by Ophthalmology (n=1,385,10.4%), maternal & fetal health (n=873,6.6%) and Renal medicine (n=844,6.3%). In total 143 patients (79.9%) attended ED on average of 3 times (IQR 2, 7; ED visit rate 44.0 (95%CI 41.0, 47.0) per 100 person years. Overall, 125 patients (69.8%) were hospitalised at average 3 times (IQR 2, 6), with a mean LOS of 5 days (IQR 3, 12) for an IP rate of 37.6 per 100 patient years (95%CI 34.8, 40.5). Only 12.8% of patients did not attend ED or IP in the public health care system. A total of 367,067 laboratory investigations were performed (median nr. of tests per patient 205 (±290) per year) across fields of haematology/biochemistry (89%), immunology (5%), microbiology (4.5%) and histopathology (Conclusion:SLE patients have extensive healthcare utilization across a range of outpatient and inpatient services. The main direct costs for this multidisciplinary health care provision are for disease monitoring and in-hospital treatment. Based on these conservative cost estimates to which medication cost need to be added, total costs for SLE care in WA are projected to be significantly higher than reported from Europe.Table 1.Healthcare resource utilisation of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus between in Western Australia between 2000-2019.OutpatientED VisitsAdmissionsPatients, n (%)179 (100)143 (79.9)125 (69.8)Total events, n13,320794678Visit rate per 100 patient years (95%CI)738.9 (726.3, 751.4)44.0 (41.0, 47.2)37.6 (34.8, 40.5)Patients with ≥ 2 visit per annum, n (%)153 (85.5)110 ()94 (%)Patients with ≥ 4 visits per annum, n (%)112 (62.6)Patients with >10 visits per annum, n (%)37 (20.7)17 (%)13 (%)Discharged from ED, n (%)-684-Admitted from the ED, n (%)-110110Average length of stay, median (IQR)-3.0(2.1, 4.0) hrs3.2 (1.5, 5.85) daysPatients with an overnight admission, n (%)-122 (98)Overnight admissions, median (IQR)-3 (1, 5)Patients with admissions >7 days-53 (42.4)Costs AUD (FY2018/19)$6,273,720$869,430$10,997,485Acknowledgments:The authors wish to acknowledge the support of Arthritis Foundation of WA and Lupus WADisclosure of Interests:warren raymond: None declared, Georgia Ngo: None declared, Milica Ognjenovic: None declared, Ian Li: None declared, Patrick Cheah: None declared, Aron Chakera: None declared, Andrew McLean-Tooke: None declared, Johannes (“Hans”) Nossent Speakers bureau: Janssen

A 41-year-old male patient presented with isolated right lower limb swelling. An ultrasound scan showed right external iliac and femoral vein deep vein thrombosis due to extrinsic compression by an aneurysm of the right common iliac artery. Investigations including imaging and a tissue biopsy of right and left femoral arteries confirmed a rare clinical presentation of fibromuscular dysplasia involving iliac, coeliac, renal and pulmonary vessels. The common iliac artery aneurysm was successfully treated with endovascular repair. Six months later, he developed coronary artery involvement with spontaneous dissection of left anterior descending artery diagnosed on coronary angiogram which was managed conservatively. At 6-year follow-up, he remains clinically asymptomatic and continues with regular surveillance imaging. Iliac arterial fibromuscular dysplasia is uncommon and clinical presentation with a complication such as a deep vein thrombosis is atypical.

AIM The primary aim of the present study was to determine if it is cost effective to use human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing as a first-line screening test for celiac disease (CD) in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D), as recommended by the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). The second aim was to investigate whether anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA (anti-tTGA) antibodies can be used to diagnose CD without the need for a confirmatory duodenal biopsy in T1D. METHODS Data for all T1D patients aged

Objective To evaluate the prevalence of anti-AQP4 antibody in serum and CSF samples from patients being investigated for possible neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) referred to the PathWest State reference laboratory using a sensitive cell-based assay (CBA). Background NMOSD is an inflammatory CNS disease distinct from MS, which is relatively rare in Western countries. A proportion of patients with NMOSD have detectable serum IgG antibodies that target the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG), but the frequency varies in different populations studied and according to the assay method employed. Methods Sera or CSF from a diagnostic cohort of 196 consecutive patients with possible NMOSD which had previously been screened by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) on primate cerebellum were re-tested for AQP4-IgG reactivity to the M1 and M23 isoforms of AQP4 using a commercial CBA. A control group of 205 patients with definite MS was also included in the study. Results Of the 196 patients, only 5 sera were AQP4-IgG positive, representing 2.6% of patients in the diagnostic cohort. All 5 AQP4-IgG positive patients fulfilled the 2015 revised diagnostic criteria for NMOSD and were females of varied ethnic origins, 4 of whom had longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The CBA confirmed AQP4-IgG positivity in the four patients previously reported as positive by IIF, and an additional patient with NMOSD who had previously been diagnosed as MS was also identified. None of the 205 MS sera were AQP4-IgG positive. Conclusions Our study confirms the utility and greater reliability of the M1/M23 CBA for detecting AQP4-IgG in patients with possible NMOSD, and indicates a prevalence of seropositive NMOSD in the Western Australian population similar to that in other Western populations.

Antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) are reported in association with numerous neurological conditions including temporal lobe epilepsy and limbic encephalitis. We report a case of Anti-GAD-Antibody associated encephalitis presenting with epilepsia partialis continua (EPC) progressing to a fulminant encephalopathy preferentially affecting the frontal lobes associated with coma and refractory status epilepticus. The abnormalities identified on MRI included marked bilateral frontal lobe involvement which has not been reported in other auto-immune encephalitides and may be specific for Anti-GAD-Antibody associated encephalitis. Similar to the majority of cases of Anti-GAD associated neurological disturbance no underlying malignancy was identified. Treatment with high dose corticosteriods, IVIG and plasmapheresis had minimal response, but escalation of treatment with rituximab and cyclophosphamide was associated with clinical improvement, reducing antibody titers and resolution of MRI changes.

Table of contents Oral Abstracts O1 Functionally distinct HMGB1 isoforms correlate with physiological processes in drug-induced SJS/TEN Daniel F. Carr, Wen-Hung Chung, Rosalind E. Jenkiins, Mas Chaponda, Gospel Nwikue, Elena M. Cornejo Castro, Daniel J. Antoine, Munir Pirmohamed O2 Hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactams, does the t cell recognition pattern influence the clinical picture? Natascha Wuillemin, Dolores Dina, Klara K. Eriksson, Daniel Yerly O3 Specific binding characteristics of HLA alleles associated with nevirapine hypersensitivity Rebecca Pavlos, Elizabeth Mckinnin, David Ostrov, Bjoern Peters, Soren Buus, David Koelle, Abha Chopra, Craig Rive, Alec Redwood, Susana Restrepo, Austin Bracey, Jing Yuan, Silvana Gaudieri, Mary Carrington, David Haas, Simon Mallal, Elizabeth Phillips O4 Do we need to measure total ige for the interpretation of analytical results of ImmunoCAP dnd 3gAllergy specific IgE? Douwe De Boer, Paul Menheere, Chris Nieuwhof, Judith Bons O5 Neutrophil activation in systemic anaphylaxis: results from the multicentric NASA study Friederike Jonsson, Luc De Chaisemartin, Vanessa Granger, Caitlin Gillis, Aurelie Gouel, Catherine Neukirch, Fadia Dib, Pascale Roland Nicaise, Dan Longrois, Florence Tubach, Sylvie Martin, Pierre Bruhns, NASA Study Group O6 Purpuric drug eruptions due to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): a clinic-pathological study of 32 cases Kai-Lung Chen, Shu-Ling Liao, Yi-Shuan Sheen, Yung-Tsu Cho, Che-Wen Yang, Jau-Yu Liau, Chia-Yu Chu Poster presentations: Poster Walk 1—Anaphylaxis (P01–P09) P1 Anaphylactic reactions during anaesthesia and the perioperative period Rita Aguiar, Anabela Lopes, Natália Fernandes, Leonor Viegas, M. A. Pereira-Barbosa P2 Anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine: is there a cross-reactivity to alexidine? Antonia Bünter, Nisha Gupta, Tatjana Pecaric Petkovic, Nicole Wirth, Werner J. Pichler, Oliver Hausmann P3 Cefotaxime-induced severe anaphylaxis in a neonate Mehtap Yazicioglu, Pinar G. Ozdemir, Gokce Ciplak, Ozkan Kaya P4 Clinical features and diagnosis of anaphylaxis resulting from exposure to chlorhexidine Peter John Cooke P5 Drug-induced anaphylaxis: five-year single-center survey Inês Mota, Ângela Gaspar, Filipe Benito-Garcia, Marta Chambel, Mário Morais-Almeida P6 Intraoperative severe anaphylactic reaction due to patent blue v dye Luis Marques, Eva Alcoceba, Silvia Lara P7 Kounis syndrome in the setting of anaphylaxis to diclofenac Leonor Carneiro-Leão, Carmen Botelho, Eunice Dias-Castro, Josefina Cernadas P8 Perioperative anaphylaxis audit: Royal Melbourne Hospital Katherine Nicholls, William Lay, Olivia Smith, Christine Collins, Gary Unglik, Kymble Spriggs, Priscilla Auyeung, Jeremy McComish, Jo A. Douglass P9 Recurrent peri-operative anaphylaxis: a perfect storm Jonny G. Peter, Paul Potter Poster Walk 2: DH regions and patient groups (P10–P19) P10 A rare presentation of amoxicillin allergy in a young child Fabrícia Carolino, Eunice Dias De Castro, Josefina R. Cernadas P11 Adverse drug reactions in children: antibiotics or virus? Ana Sofia Moreira, Carmo Abreu, Eva Gomes P12 Allergic reactions in invasive medical procedures Bárbara Kong Cardoso, Elza Tomaz, Sara Correia, Filipe Inácio P13 Antibiotic allergy in children: room for improvement Annabelle Arnold, Natasha Bear, Kristina Rueter, Grace Gong, Michael O’Sullivan, Saravanan Muthusamy, Valerie Noble, Michaela Lucas P14 Drug hypersensitivity reactions in children and results of diagnostic evaluation Neringa Buterleviciute, Odilija Rudzeviciene P15 Nonimmediate cutaneous drug reactions in children: are skin tests required? Ana Sofia Moreira, Carmo Abreu, Eva Gomes P16 Pediatric patients with a history of penicillin allergy and a positive penicillin skin test may not be at an increased risk for multiple drug allergies Sara May, Thanai Pongdee, Miguel Park P17 Proved hypersensitivity to drugs according data of Vilnius University Hospital Santariskiu Klinikos Linas Griguola, Arturas Vinikovas, Simona Kašinskaite, Violeta Kvedariene P18 Self-reported prevalence of drug hypersensitivity reactions among students in Celal Bayar University, Turkey Ayse Aktas, Suheyla Rahman, Huseyin Elbi, Beyhan Cengiz Ozyurt P19 Severe drug hypersensitivity reactions in pediatric age Ozlem Cavkaytar, Betul Karaatmaca, Pinar Gur Cetinkaya, Saliha Esenboga, Umit M. Sahiner, Bulent E. Sekerel, Ozge Soyer Poster Walk 3: Desensitisation (P20–P28) P20 A protocol for desensitisation to valaciclovir Celia Zubrinich, Bianca Tong, Mittal Patel, Michelle Giles, Robyn O’Hehir, Robert Puy P21 A rare case of desensitization to modafinil Josefina Cernadas, Luís Amaral, Fabrícia Carolino P22 A sixteen-day desensitization protocol in delayed type hypersensitivity reactions to oral drugs Semra Demir, Asli Gelincik, Muge Olgac, Raif Caskun, Derya Unal, Bahauddin Colakoglu, Suna Buyukozturk P23 Desensitization to intravenous etoposide using a 12 and a 13-step protocol. Two cases report Olga Vega Matute, Amalia Bernad, Gabriel Gastaminza, Roselle Madamba, Carlos Lacasa, M. J. Goikoetxea, Carmen D’Amelio, Jose Rifón, Nicolas Martínez, Marta Ferrer P24 Drug desensitisation in oncology: the experience of an immunoallergology department for 5 years Carmelita Ribeiro, Emília Faria, Cristina Frutuoso, Anabela Barros, Rosário Lebre, Alice Pego, Ana Todo Bom P25 Filgrastim anaphylaxis: a successful desensitization protocol Luis Amaral, Josefina Cernadas P26 Galsulfase hypersensitivity and desensitization of a mucopolysaccharidosis VI patient Luis Felipe Ensina, Carolina Aranda, Ines Camelo Nunes, Ana Maria Martins, Dirceu Solé P27 Rapid drug desensitization with biologicals: one-center experience with four biologicals Sevim Bavbek, Resat Kendirlinan, Pamir Çerçi, Seda Tutluer, Sadan Soyyigit, Zeynep Çelebi Sözener, Ömür Aydin, Reyhan Gümüsburun P28 Successful desensitization to a high dose of methotrexate in a delayed type hypersensitivity reaction Josefina Cernadas, Leonor Carneiro-Leão, Fabrícia Carolino, Marta Almeida Poster Walk 4: SJS (P29–P38) P29 Assessment of impact of infection on drug-induced severe cutaneous adverse reactions and rhabdomyolysis using the Japanese adverse drug event report database Kimie Sai, Takuya Imatoh, Ryosuke Nakamura, Chisato Fukazawa, Yasushi Hinomura, Yoshiro Saito P30 Characterization of erythema multiforme and severe cutaneous adverse reactions hospitalizations Bernardo Sousa-Pinto, Cláudia Correia, Lídia Gomes, Sara Gil-Mata, Luís Araújo, Luís Delgado P31 Effects of infection on incidence/severity of SJS/TEN and myopathy in Japanese cases analyzed by voluntary case reports Ryosuke Nakamura, Kimie Sai, Takuya Imatoh, Yoshimi Okamoto-Uchida, Koji Kajinami, Kayoko Matsunaga, Michiko Aihara, Yoshiro Saito P32 Efficacy of tumor necrosis factor—a antagonists in Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a randomized controlled trial and immunosuppressive effects evaluation Chuang-Wei Wang, Shih-Chi Su, Shuen-Iu Hung, Hsin-Chun Ho, Chih-Hsun Yang, Wen-Hung Chung P33 Evolution of drug causality in Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in Europe: analysis of 10 years RegiSCAR-Study Maren Paulmann, Ariane Dunant, Maja Mockenhaupt, Peggy Sekula, Martin Schumacher, Sylvia Kardaun, Luigi Naldi, Teresa Bellón, Daniel Creamer, Cynthia Haddad, Bruno Sassolas, Bénédicte Lebrun-Vignes, Laurence Valeyrie-Allanore, Jean-Claude Roujeau P34 Long-term sequelae in patients with Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: a 5-year analysis Maren Paulmann, Carmen Kremmler, Peggy Sekula, Laurence Valeyrie-Allanore, Luigi Naldi, Sylvia Kardaun, Maja Mockenhaupt P35 Major emotional complications and decreased health related quality of life among survivors of Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis Roni P. Dodiuk-Gad, Cristina Olteanu, Anthony Feinstein, Rena Hashimoto, Raed Alhusayen, Sonia Whyte-Croasdaile, Yaron Finkelstein, Marjorie Burnett, Shachar Sade, Robert Cartotto, Marc Jeschke, Neil H. Shear P36 Retrospective analysis of Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis in Japanese patients: treatment and outcome Naoko Takamura, Yumiko Yamane, Setsuko Matsukura, Kazuko Nakamura, Yuko Watanabe, Yukie Yamaguchi, Takeshi Kambara, Zenro Ikezawa, Michiko Aihara P37 Severe physical complications among survivors of Stevens–Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis Roni P. Dodiuk-Gad, Cristina Olteanu, Rena Hashimoto, Hall Chew, Raed Alhusayen, Sonia Whyte-Croasdaile, Yaron Finkelstein, Marjorie Burnett, Shachar Sade, Robert Cartotto, Marc Jeschke, Neil H. Shear P38 Stevens–Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis combined with haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis: a case report Brittany Knezevic, Una Nic Ionmhain, Allison Barraclough, Michaela Lucas, Matthew Anstey Poster Walk 5: Other organs/unexpected immune reactions (P39–P47) P39 A case report of patient with anti-tuberculosis drug-related severe liver failure Toru Usui, Xiaoli Meng, John Farrell, Paul Whitaker, John Watson, Neil French, Kevin Park, Dean Naisbitt P40 Acute interstitial nephritis induced by ibuprofen Ana Castro Neves, Susana Cadinha, Ana Moreira, J. P. Moreira Da Silva P41 Cetuximab induced acneiform rash—two case reports Daniela Ledic Drvar, Sandra Jerkovic Gulin, Suzana Ljubojevic Hadzavdic, Romana Ceovic P42 Enteropathy associated with losartan Ana Montoro De Francisco, Talía De Vicente Jiménez, Amelia García Luque, Natalia Rosado David, José Mª Mateos Galván P43 Granuloma annulare after therapy with canakinumab Razvigor Darlenski P44 Hypersensitivity eosinophilic myocarditis or acute coronary syndrome? Case report Dario Gulin, Jozica Sikic, Jasna Cerkez Habek, Sandra Jerkovic Gulin, Edvard Galic P45 Piperacillin-induced immune haemolytic anaemia: a severe and frequent complication of antibiotic treatment in patients with cystic fibrosis Philip Specht, Doris Staab, Beate Mayer, Jobst Roehmel P46 Progesterone triggered pemphigus foliaceus: case report Sandra Jerkovic Gulin, Caius Solovan, Anca Chiriac P47 Ramipril: triggered generalized pustular psoriasis Paola Djurinec, Kresimir Kostovic, Mirna Bradamante, Sandra Jerkovic Gulin, Romana Ceovic Poster Walk 6: NSAIDs (P48–P56) P48 Aspirin desensitization in cardiovascular disease—Portuguese experience Jose Pedro Almeida, Joana Caiado, Elisa Pedro, Pedro Canas Da Silva, Manuel Pereira Barbosa P49 Asthma and/or rhinitis to NSAIDs with good tolerance to ASA Gador Bogas, Natalia Blanca-López, Diana Pérez-Alzate, Inmaculada Doña, José Augusto Agúndez, Elena García-Martín, José Antonio Cornejo-García, Cristobalina Mayorga, María José Torres, Gabriela Canto, Miguel Blanca P50 Clinical characteristics of 196 patients with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) hypersensitivity Sengül Aksakal, Aytül Zerrin Sin, Zeynep Peker Koç, Fatma Düsünür Günsen, Ömür Ardeniz, Emine Nihal Mete Gökmen, Okan Gülbahar, Ali Kokuludag P51 Development of immediate hypersensitivity to several NSAIDs maintaining good tolerance to ASA Natalia Pérez-Sánchez, Natalia Blanca-López, Diana Pérez-Alzate, Gador Bogas, Inmaculada Doña, María Salas, María José Torres, Miguel Blanca, Gabriela Canto P52 Diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions to paracetamol in a large series of cases Inmaculada Doña, Maria Salas, Francisca Gomez, Natalia Blanca-Lopez, Diana Perez-Alzate, Gador Bogas, Esther Barrionuevo, Maria Jose Torres, Inmaculada Andreu, Miguel Ángel Miranda, Gabriela Canto, Miguel Blanca P53 Hypersensitivity to paracetamol according to the new classification of hypersensitivity to NSAIDs Gabija Didžiokaite, Olesia Gaidej, Simona Kašinskaite, Violeta Kvedariene P54 Ibuprofen and other aryl propionic derivates can induce immediate selective hypersensitivity responses Diana Perez-Alzate, Natalia Blanca-López, Maria Isabel Garcimartin, Inmaculada Doña, Maria Luisa Somoza, Cristobalina Mayorga, Maria Jose Torres, Gador Bojas, Jose Antonio Cornejo-Garcia, Maria Gabriela Canto, Miguel Blanca P55 Subjects developing immediate responses to several NSAIDs can be selective with good tolerance to ASA Natalia Blanca-Lopez, Diana Pérez-Alzate, Francisco Javier Ruano Perez, Inmaculada Doña, Maria Luisa Somoza, Inmaculada Andreu, Miguel Angel Miranda, Cristobalina Mayorga, Maria Jose Torres, Jose Antonio Cornejo-Garcia, Miguel Blanca, Maria Gabriela Canto P56 Utility of low-dose oral aspirin challenges for diagnosis of aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease Elina Jerschow, Teresa Pelletier, Zhen Ren, Golda Hudes, Marek Sanak, Esperanza Morales, Victor Schuster, Simon D. Spivack, David Rosenstreich Poster Walk 7: NSAID 2 (P57–P65) P57 Alternate regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) MRNA expression may predispose patients to aspirin-induced exacerbations Renato Erzen, Mira Silar, Nissera Bajrovic, Matija Rijavec, Mihaela Zidarn, Peter Korosec P58 Anaphylaxis to diclofenac: what about the underlying mechanism? Leonor Carneiro-Leão, Fabrícia Carolino, Luís Amaral, Carmen Botelho, Eunice Dias-Castro, Josefina Cernadas P59 COX-2 inhibitors: are they always a safe alternative in hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs? Luis Amaral, Fabricia Carolino, Eunice Castro, Josefina Cernadas P60 Management of patients with history of NSAIDs reactions prior to coronary angioplasty Mona Al-Ahmad, Tito Rodriguez P61 Oral drug challenge with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug under spirometric control: clinical series of 110 patients João Pedro Azevedo, Emília Faria, Beatriz Tavares, Frederico Regateiro, Ana Todo-Bom P62 Prevalence and incidence of analgesic hypersensitivity reactions in Colombia Pablo Andrés Miranda, Bautista De La Cruz Hoyos P63 Recent endoscopic sinus surgery lessens reactions during aspirin challenge in patients with aspirin exacerbated respiratory disease Teresa Pelletier, Waleed Abuzeid, Nadeem Akbar, Marc Gibber, Marvin Fried, Weiguo Han, Taha Keskin, Robert Tamayev, Golda Hudes, Simon D. Spivack, David Rosenstreich, Elina Jerschow P64 Safe use of imidazole salycilate in a case of multiple NSAIDs induced urticaria-angioedema Elisa Boni, Marina Russello, Marina Mauro P65 Selective hypersensitivity reactions to ibuprofen—seven years experience Marta Ferreira Neto Poster Walk 8: Epidemiological methods (P66–P72) P66 Allopurinol hypersensitivity: a 7-year review Lise Brosseron, Daniela Malheiro, Susana Cadinha, Patrícia Barreira, J. P. Moreira Da Silva P67 Antibiotic allergy labelling is associated with increased hospital readmission rates in Australia Brittany Knezevic, Dustin Sprigg, Michelle Trevenen, Jason Seet, Jason Trubiano, William Smith, Yogesh Jeelall, Sandra Vale, Richard Loh, Andrew Mclean-Tooke, Michaela Lucas P68 Experts’ opinions on severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions-report of a survey from the 9th international congress on cutaneous adverse drug reactions 2015 Roni P. Dodiuk-Gad, Cristina Olteanu, Wen-Hung Chung, Neil H. Shear P69 HLA-A*31-positive AGEP with carbamazepine use and other severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs) detected by electronic medical records screening Sabine Müller, Ursula Amstutz, Lukas Jörg, Nikhil Yawalkar, Stephan Krähenbühl P70 Patients with suspected drug allergy: a specific psychological profile? Eunice Dias-Castro, Ana Leblanc, Laura Ribeiro, Josefina R. Cernadas P71 Use of an electronic device and a computerized mathematic algorithm to detect the allergic drug reactions through the analysis of heart rate variability Arantza Vega, Raquel Gutierrez Rivas, Ana Alonso, Juan Maria Beitia, Belén Mateo, Remedios Cárdenas, Juan Jesus Garcia-Dominguez P72 Variation in ERAP influences risk for HLA-B*57:01 positive abacavir hypersensitivity Rebecca Pavlos, Kaija Strautins, Ian James, Simon Mallal, Alec Redwood, Elizabeth Phillips Poster Walk 9: DRESS/AGEP (P73–P81) P73 A clinical case of DRESS syndrome in a child after administration of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid Rita Aguiar, Anabela Lopes, Ana Neves, Maria Do Céu Machado, M. A. Pereira-Barbosa P74 Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) induced by mesalazine, reliable and oftenly used drug to treat inflammatory bowel disease Ceyda Tunakan Dalgiç, Emine Nihal Mete Gökmen, Fatma Düsünür Günsen, Gökten Bulut, Fatma Ömür Ardeniz, Okan Gülbahar, Ali Kokuludag, Aytül Zerrin Sin P75 Changes of blood plasmacytoid dendritic cells, myeloid dendritic cells, and basophils during the acute stage of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) and other drug eruptions Shao-Hsuan Hsu, Yung-Tsu Cho, Che-Wen Yang, Kai-Lung Chen, Chia-Yu Chu P76 Characterization of isoniazid/rifampicin-specific t-cell responses in patients with DRESS syndrome Young-Min Ye, Gyu-Young Hur, Hae-Sim Park, Seung-Hyun Kim P77 DRESS syndrome secondary to sulfasalazine with delayed TEN: a case presentation Syed Ali, Michaela Lucas, Peter N. Hollingsworth, Andrew P. C. Mclean-Tooke P78 Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) features according to the culprit drug Zohra Chadly, Nadia Ben Fredj, Karim Aouam, Haifa Ben Romdhane, Naceur A. Boughattas, Amel Chaabane P79 Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms induced by allopurinol: not always easy to diagnose Marina Lluncor Salazar, Beatriz Pola, Ana Fiandor, Teresa Bellón, Elena Ramírez, Javier Domínguez Ortega, Santiago Quirce, Rosario Cabañas P80 Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms syndrome induced by two drugs simultaneously: a case report Krasimira Baynova, Marina Labella, Manuel Prados P81 The drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) induced by the second-line antituberculosis drugs and Epstein–Barr virus infection Agne Ramonaite, Ieva Bajoriuniene, Brigita Sitkauskiene, Raimundas Sakalauskas Poster Walk 10: Miscellaneous drug hypersensitivity (P82–P91) P82 A case of cycloserine-induced lichenoid drug eruption confirmed with a lymphocatye transformation test Jae-Woo Kwon, Shinyoung Park P83 Allergic reaction to topical eye drops: 5 years’ retrospective study in a drug allergy unit Diana Silva, Leonor Carneiro Leão, Fabricia Carolino, Eunice Castro, Josefina Cernadas P84 Allergy to heparins Diana Perez-Alzate, Natalia Blanca-López, Maria Luisa Somoza Alvarez, Maria Garcimartin, Maria Vazquez De La Torre, Francisco Javier Ruano Pérez, Elisa Haroun, Gabriela Canto Diez P85 Allopurinol-induced adverse drug reactions Katinka Ónodi-Nagy, Ágnes Kinyó, Lajos Kemény, Zsuzsanna Bata-Csörgo P86 Analysis of a population with immediate hypersensitivity to corticosteroids: an 11 year review Joana Sofia Pita, Emília Faria, Rosa Anita Fernandes, Ana Moura, Nuno Sousa, Carmelita Ribeiro, Carlos Loureiro, Ana Todo Bom P87 Anaphylaxis against mivacurium in a 12-months old boy at first-time exposure Wolfgang Pfützner P88 Antihistamine-exacerbated chronic spontaneous urticaria: a paradox? Nadine Marrouche, Clive Grattan P89 Anti-osteoporotic agents-induced cutaneous adverse drug reactions in Asians Yu-En Chen, Chun-Bing Chen, Wen-Hung Chung, Yu-Ping Hsiao, Chia-Yu Chu P90 Diagnosis of allergic reactions to eye drops Maria Vazquez De La Torre, Natalia Blanca-Lopez, Diana Perez-Alzate, Maria Isabel Garcimartin, Francisco Javier Ruano, Maria Luisa Somoza, Elisa Haroun, Gabriela Canto P91 Diagnostic approach in suspected hypersensitivity reactions to corticosteroids Fabrícia Carolino, Eunice Dias De Castro, Josefina R. Cernadas

Background ANCA- associated vasculitis (AAV) is a potentially life threatening condition requiring careful monitoring and balancing of treatment options to minimize morbidity and mortality. Objectives To investigate the influence of baseline disease characteristics and induction therapy on the disease course and outcome in ANCA- associated vasculitis. Methods Single centre longitudinal cohort study of all adult patients with an EMEA algorithm based diagnosis of AAV followed up to August 2016. Clinical data including disease activity (BVAS), ANCA type and level, treatment, relapses (BVAS >3) and organ damage (VDI) and other complications (e.g. infections) during the disease course were recorded. Predictors for ESRD, death, cancer and damage accrual were analysed by multivariate logistic regression presented as Odds Ratios (OR). Results A total of 63 patients (59% male) (mean age at diagnosis 57 years, 59% with GPA, 24% MPA and 16% EGPA) were included. Fluorescence ANCA was positive in 92%, while 47% had MPO-ANCA and 43% PR3-ANCA. Induction therapy included corticosteroids (92%), Cyclophosphamide (57%), Rituximab (35%) and Plasmapheresis (6%). During 46 months of follow-up 34 patients (54%) experienced 71 relapses (rate 2.5/100 months) and 55 serious complications occurred (rate 2/100 months). Mean VDI at last follow-up was 2.1 with only 11 patients (17.4%) not developing organ damage. Averaged BVAS correlated with last VDI scores (Rs 0.25,p=0.012). Overall, 4 patients (6.3%) died, 19 (27%) developed renal insufficiency of which 2 (3.1%) required chronic dialysis, while 6 (9.5%) developed a new cancer. Age was an independent predictor (OR 1.09, p=0.05) for patient survival (95% and 91% at 1 and 5 years), but no effect was seen for baseline BVAS, gender, AAV or ANCA subtype (all p>0.1). Conclusions While current treatment reduces the risk of death, AAV is still associated with a high rate of disease relapse, organ damage accrual and serious complications. Disclosure of Interest None declared

Hyperplastic gingivitis is a rare manifestation of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). This gingivitis has a very distinctive clinical appearance (so-called Strawberry gingivitis) and when seen is virtually pathognomic for GPA. Gingivitis often precedes other organ involvement therefore making awareness of this manifestation particularly important to aid early diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, histopathological findings of gingival specimens rarely reveal necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis, which is classically seen at other sites of involvement. As a result a delay in diagnosis is not uncommon. GPA if left untreated has a high mortality rate and early immunosuppressive treatment is associated with an improved prognosis. We present two cases of patients with GPA presenting with characteristic strawberry gingivitis and review the reported cases.

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Bonn, Germany) European Commission (Brussels, Belgium) National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Primary Immunodeficiency Association (PIA; London, United Kingdom) Medical Research Council (MRC; London, United Kingdom) The Wellcome Trust (London, United Kingdom) Swedish Research Council (Stockholm, Sweden) Fondazione C. Golgi (Brescia, Italy) Swiss National Science Foundation (Bern, Switzerland) Grant Colciencias (Bogota, Colombia) NIH Jeffrey Modell Foundation (New York, NY) Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine TNFRSF13B encodes transmembrane activator and calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI), a B cell specific tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily member. Both biallelic and monoallelic TNFRSF13B mutations were identified in patients with common variable immunodeficiency disorders. the genetic complexity and variable clinical presentation of TACI deficiency prompted us to evaluate the genetic, immunologic, and clinical condition in 50 individuals with TNFRSF13B alterations, following screening of 564 unrelated patients with hypogammaglobulinemia. We identified 13 new sequence variants. the most frequent TNFRSF13B variants (C104R and A181E; n = 39; 6.9%) were also present in a heterozygous state in 2% of 675 controls. All patients with biallelic mutations had hypogammaglobulinemia and nearly all showed impaired binding to a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL). However, the majority (n = 41; 82%) of the patients carried monoallelic changes in TNFRSF13B. Presence of a heterozygous mutation was associated with antibody deficiency (P < .001, relative risk 3.6). Heterozygosity for the most common mutation, C104R, was associated with disease (P < .001, relative risk 4.2). Furthermore, heterozygosity for C104R was associated with low numbers of IgD(-)CD27(+) B cells (P = .019), benign lymphoproliferation (P < .001), and autoimmune complications (P = .001). These associations indicate that C104R heterozygosity increases the risk for common variable immunodeficiency disorders and influences clinical presentation. (Blood. 2009; 113: 1967-1976) Univ Hosp Freiburg, Dept Rheumatol & Clin Immunol, Freiburg, Germany Inst Child Hlth, Mol Immunol Unit, London, England Karolinska Univ Hosp Huddinge, Karolinska Inst, Div Clin Immunol, Stockholm, Sweden Univ Brescia, Pediat Clin, Brescia, Italy Spedali Civil Brescia, Ist Med Mol Angelo Nocivelli, I-25125 Brescia, Italy Royal Free Hosp, Dept Immunol & Mol Pathol, London NW3 2QG, England UCL, London, England Allergy Asthma & Immunol Clin, Irving, TX USA Oxford Radcliffe Hosp, Nuffield Dept Med, Oxford, England Royal Victoria Infirm, Dept Immunol, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 4LP, Tyne & Wear, England Univ Washington, Reg Med Ctr, Seattle, WA 98195 USA Childrens Hosp, Seattle, WA USA Univ Munich, Div Infect Dis & Immunol, Univ Childrens Hosp, Munich, Germany Addenbrookes Hosp, Dept Clin Immunol, Cambridge, England Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, Brazil Univ Oslo, Natl Hosp, Internal Med Res Inst, Oslo, Norway Univ Antioquia, Grp Immunodeficiencias Primarias, Medellin, Colombia Charite Humboldt Univ, Dept Paediat Pneumol & Immunol, Berlin, Germany Univ Lausanne, Dept Biochem, Lausanne, Switzerland Natl Lib Med, Natl Ctr Biotechnol Informat, NIH, US Dept HHS, Bethesda, MD 20894 USA Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Dept Pediat, São Paulo, Brazil Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Bonn, Germany): GR1617/3 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Bonn, Germany): SFB620/C2 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Bonn, Germany): SFB620/Z1 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Bonn, Germany): SFB620/C1 European Commission (Brussels, Belgium): SP23-CT-2005-006411 European Commission (Brussels, Belgium): MEXT-CT-2006-042316 European Commission (Brussels, Belgium): HEALTH-F2-2008-201549 National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: NO1-A130070 Fondazione C. Golgi (Brescia, Italy): PRIN2006 Grant Colciencias (Bogota, Colombia): 1115-05-16784 NIH: HD 37091 Web of Science

Infection is the leading cause of death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Corticosteroid (CS) use is a known and important risk factor for serious infections (SIs). Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a genetically determined component of the innate immune system implicated in neonatal infections.Our aim was to determine whether MBL deficiency is a risk factor for SIs in RA and to compare it with CS use and also synthetic and biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy.Data on 228 patients with RA were collected for up to 7 years (median = 5.9 years). Serum MBL concentrations were determined in all patients receiving synthetic (n = 96) or biologic (n = 132) DMARD therapy.High rates of SIs were observed in RA irrespective of treatment (17%). Similar rates of SIs were observed in synthetic and biologic DMARD users. The rates of single and multiple SIs were similar, irrespective of the use of a biologic agent. Undetectable MBL (56 ng/mL) concentrations and maintenance prednisolone at 10 mg per day or higher were associated with an increased risk for an SI, with incident risk ratio of 4.67 (P = .001) and 4.70 (P.001), respectively.Undetectable MBL and prednisolone confer a high risk for an SI. The use of biologic DMARDs did not confer substantial SI risk in this observational study. MBL deficiency is hitherto an unrecognized risk factor for an SI in RA.

In 22q11.2 deletion patients, the normal decrease in T lymphocyte counts after 1–2 years is blunted such that relatively T lymphocyte numbers increase over early childhood, probably via post-thymic expansion of peripheral lymphocytes. This may leave less T lymphocyte receptor (TCR) diversity than when derived from naive thymic emigrants. We analysed TCR Vβ repertoire on 27 22q11.2 chromosome deletion patients. No patient had infection at sampling. CD3+CD4+ recent thymic emigrants (RTEs) were identified by CD45RA and CD31 expression. TCR Vβ repertoire was determined using four-colour flow cytometry. Patients and controls showed significant TCR Vβ family usage differences between CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD4− T lymphocyte subpopulations. Vβ family abnormalities (±3 SD of controls) were identified in 18/27 (67%) patients and 12/47 (25%) controls. In patients, the magnitude of expansions was increased, with some Vβ families representing 37% of the cells present in the subpopulations. There was a significant increase in frequency of abnormalities in CD3+CD4+ (P

This review looks at the main issues around immediate hypersensitivity and the role and limitations of testing. The majority of literature on antibiotic hypersensitivity relates to β-lactam antibiotics, mainly because of the heavy usage of this class of drugs. Concerns around cross-reactivity always worry clinicians, particularly in the emergency situation. Reasonable data now exist in relation to β-lactam antibiotics and derivatives, which enable appropriate risk management to be undertaken. The available literature for other classes of antibiotics is also discussed.

Plasma cell mucositis (PCM) is a rare non-neoplastic plasma cell proliferative disorder of the mucous membranes, which typically presents as soft tissue lesions involving oral, upper airway or genital mucosa. Laryngeal involvement resulting in stridor has been reported in four other cases previously, with three requiring tracheostomy. We present a case of supraglottic stenosis in a 53-year-old woman presenting with dysphonia and stridor, requiring surgical resection on three occasions accompanied by tracheostomy on two occasions; biopsy was consistent with PCM. Due to relapsing disease activity, high-dose prednisolone and mycophenolate mofetil were commenced with prednisolone eventually being ceased. After 2 years of mycophenolate mofetil therapy, the patient’s disease has been controlled without need for further surgical intervention. This is the first reported case of prolonged symptomatic improvement with the use of systemic immunosuppressive therapy with mycophenolate mofetil in PCM.

Summary Evaluation of the T cell receptor (TCR) Vβ repertoire by flow cytometric analysis has been used for studying the T cell compartments for diseases in which T cells are implicated in the pathogenesis. For the interpretation of these studies information is needed about Vβ usage in healthy individuals and there are few data for normal usage in paediatric populations. We examined the T lymphocyte (sub)populations in 47 healthy controls (age range: 3 months−16 years). We found non-random Vβ usage with skewed reactivity of some families towards CD4+ or CD4– T cells. Importantly, there appeared to be no significant change in Vβ usage according to age group. Some controls showed expansions in some Vβ families, although incidence of such expansions was low. We went on to examine the repertoire of CD4+CD25Bright T regulatory cells in 25 healthy controls. We found overlapping quantitative usage for each of the Vβ families between CD4+CD25– and CD4+CD25Bright T cells. However, there was a significant preferential usage for five Vβ families and decreased usage of two Vβ families in the CD4+CD25Bright T cells, suggesting that although they overlap there may be subtle but important differences in the TCR repertoire of T regulatory cells.

22q11.2 deletion syndrome is the commonest chromosome deletion syndrome. 22q11.2 deletion may result in variable clinical phenotypes which may differ even between patients with identical deletions. Abnormal pharyngeal arch development results in defects in the development of the parathyroid glands, thymus and conotruncal region of the heart. Defective thymic development is associated with impaired immune function. ‘Complete’ DiGeorge syndrome with total absence of the thymus and a severe T-cell immunodeficiency accounts for

Advances in reproductive medicine have significantly increased the success of fertility treatments. Nevertheless, some women experience recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after in-vitro fertilization (IVF) or recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Imbalances in the immune system and failure to achieve immune tolerance to the foetus have been implicated as potentially modifiable causes of idiopathic RIF and RPL. As such, women are increasingly being treated with immunomodulatory agents in an attempt to achieve a successful pregnancy. This systematic review examines the published evidence on immune changes in these patients, the use of immunomodulation therapies and diagnostic testing modalities to guide their use or to identify patient subsets most likely to benefit. The PubMed database was searched for the terms "recurrent implantation failure" and "recurrent pregnancy loss" in conjunction with T-helper (Th) cells and their subsets in particular; Th1, Th2, Th17 and T-regulatory (Treg) cells, natural killer (NK) cells, cytokine imbalance as well as immune modulators and immune suppressants. The reference lists of articles were examined to identify additional articles. There remains limited data on the immunological changes in cytokine and cellular profiles during the hormonal cycle as well as prior to, during and after implantation in health as well as idiopathic RIF and RPL. There is a need to advance immunological diagnostics to match the clinical need in this emerging field and to guide clinicians to make optimal and safe therapeutic choices. It is also imperative that the well-being of the infants conceived after such intervention is monitored.

Summary Aims IgG subclasses measurement is used in the investigation of patients with immunodeficiency and autoimmune diseases. In some patients a significant discrepancy between the sum of IgG subclasses (IgGsum) and total IgG may be seen. This study aimed to assess frequency and degree of such discrepancies in routine samples. Methods Data were collected retrospectively from 571 consecutive IgG subclass samples performed by an nephelometric/turbidimetric assay. Total IgG measurement was performed by nephelometry or turbidimetry. Fifty prospective samples with a difference between the IgGsum and total IgG >15% were re-run at dilution. Results IgGsum was a mean of 3.7% higher than the total IgG. Sixty-two samples (10.9%) had a difference between IgGsum and total IgG of >15%. Difference between IgGsum and total IgG correlated with the proportion but not level of IgG1. Repeat testing at dilution of samples with differences >15% did not significantly reduce the difference between results. Conclusions Differences of >15% between IgGsum and total IgG are common. Using an adjusted range based on our data would reduce the number of samples requiring additional testing. Samples falling outside this range should be reviewed.