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What's new in allergy and immunology
Disclosures:
Anna M Feldweg, MD
Nothing to disclose.
Elizabeth TePas, MD, MS
Nothing to disclose.
Contributor disclosures are
reviewed for conflicts of interest by the editorial group. When found,
these are addressed by vetting through a multi-level review process, and
through requirements for references to be provided to support the
content. Appropriately referenced content is required of all authors and
must conform to UpToDate standards of evidence.
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete.
Literature review current through:
Sep 2015.
|
This topic last updated:
Oct 01, 2015.
The following represent additions to UpToDate from the past six
months that were considered by the editors and authors to be of
particular interest. The most recent What's New entries are at the top
of each subsection.
ASTHMA AND COPD
Investigational agent shows promise in asthma (June 2015)
GATA3
is a transcription factor that is essential for Th2 lymphocyte
differentiation and activation. An investigational synthetic DNA
molecule (SB010) has been developed that uniquely binds to GATA3
messenger RNA and cleaves it. The effect of SB010 was assessed in 43
patients with mild allergic asthma who were randomly assigned to
inhalation of SB010 or placebo once daily for 28 days [1].
The early and late asthmatic responses to allergen bronchoprovocation
were significantly attenuated by SB010. The degree of suppression of the
late response was similar to that of inhaled glucocorticoids. This
study supports a potential role for disruption of GATA3 (and thus Th2
cytokines) in asthma. (See "Alternative and experimental agents for the treatment of asthma", section on 'GATA3-specific DNAzyme'.)
Warning about use of non-prescription asthma treatments (April 2015)
The
US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a consumer warning about
the potential health risks of over-the-counter (OTC) homeopathic
products for asthma [2].
The efficacy and safety of OTC products are not evaluated by the FDA.
In addition, there is evidence that some non-prescription therapies,
such as racemic epinephrine inhaler (sold as Asthmanefrin) and systemic
ephedrine (sold as Bronkaid and Primatene tablets), are less effective
than standard therapies for asthma and have a higher rate of side
effects. Thus, OTC products are not recommended for the routine care of
asthma, particularly acute asthma symptoms. These warnings are an
important reminder for clinicians to ask their patients about use of OTC
products. (See "Asthma in children younger than 12 years: Rescue treatment for acute symptoms", section on 'Nonstandard therapies' and "Alternative and experimental agents for the treatment of asthma", section on 'Risks associated with inhaled epinephrine' and "Alternative and experimental agents for the treatment of asthma", section on 'Homeopathic agents' and "Homeopathy", section on 'Specific diseases'.)
DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY
Eosinophilia during prolonged antibiotic therapy (June 2015)
Eosinophilia
is not uncommon in patients receiving prolonged intravenous
(IV) antibiotics, but the prevalence and significance has not been
extensively studied. In a prospective cohort study of 824 patients
receiving prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy, eosinophilia
developed in 25 percent, appearing at a median of 15 days of therapy and
peaking at a median absolute count of 726/mL (500 to 8610/mL) [3].
Although most patients with eosinophilia completed their courses
without complications, one-third developed a hypersensitivity reaction
involving rash or hepatic or renal involvement. Medication-associated
eosinophilia does not mandate discontinuation of therapy but warrants
close monitoring for evidence of hypersensitivity and consideration of
alternative medications that could be substituted without compromising
care. (See "Approach to the patient with unexplained eosinophilia", section on 'Medications and over the counter remedies'.)
Low allergic cross-reactivity between penicillins and carbapenems (May 2015)
Carbapenems
(eg, imipenem, meropenem) share a common beta-lactam ring with
penicillins and hence the potential for allergic cross-reactivity,
and some drug information systems list penicillin allergy as a
contraindication to the use of carbapenems (figure 1).
In the largest study to date, 212 patients with allergy to penicillins,
confirmed by skin testing, were then tested with carbapenems [4].
All subjects were negative to carbapenem skin testing and tolerated
graded challenges to three different carbapenems. Based on this and
other series, the rate of reactivity to carbapenems in patients with
confirmed penicillin allergy is estimated at <1 percent. This
supports our current recommendations on administration of carbapenems to
patients reporting immediate-type penicillin allergy: Perform
penicillin skin testing when available. If negative, patients may safely
receive penicillins and carbapenems. If penicillin skin testing is
positive or not available, carbapenems may be administered via a graded
challenge. (See "Penicillin-allergic patients: Use of cephalosporins, carbapenems, and monobactams", section on 'Carbapenems'.)
Immediate infusion reactions to leucovorin (April 2015)
Infusion
reactions to leucovorin are rarely reported, but they may be under
recognized because leucovorin is often administered simultaneously with
other chemotherapy agents that are well known to cause reactions, such
as oxaliplatin. In a series of 44 patients who had an immediate infusion
reaction while receiving a leucovorin-containing regimen for metastatic
colorectal cancer, five appeared related to leucovorin and not the
coadministered drug (oxaliplatin, irinotecan) [5].
Leucovorin skin tests were negative, but challenge with leucovorin
reproduced the symptoms in all five patients, while separate challenge
with the co-administered agents produced no symptoms. All patients also
reacted to subsequent challenge with LEVOleucovorin, suggesting that the
L-isomer cannot necessarily be substituted for the more commonly used
racemic leucovorin unless the patient has been specifically challenged
and found to tolerate it. If continued leucovorin therapy is needed, it
can be accomplished using a desensitization protocol. (See "Infusion reactions to systemic chemotherapy", section on 'Leucovorin'.)
FOOD ALLERGY AND INTOLERANCE
Transient transfer of food allergies in a blood product (September 2015)
A
recent case report highlights the possibility of acquiring food
allergies following transfusion of a blood product such as platelets [6].
This may also occur after solid organ or hematopoietic cell
transplantation. In the former case, the allergy is transient and is due
to food-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the blood product. In the
latter case, the potential mechanism depends upon the type of transplant
and can range from temporary allergy due to transferred mast cells or
allergen-specific IgE, to longer-lasting or permanent allergy due to
transfer of food allergen-specific lymphocytes or hematopoietic stem
cells from the donor. Finally, an allergic reaction to a food can occur
in an allergic recipient after receiving a blood product that contains
intact allergen consumed by the donor. (See "History
and physical examination in the patient with possible food allergy",
section on 'Questions related to contributory factors'.)
IMMUNODEFICIENCY
Pulmonary manifestations in adults with chronic granulomatous disease (June 2015)
Pulmonary
complications remain the most common manifestation of
chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) in adulthood. In a series of 67
adults with CGD, two-thirds had at least one infectious or noninfectious
pulmonary event, and about half had manifestations involving the
gastrointestinal tract or skin [7].
Most patients with invasive pulmonary fungal infections were
on itraconazole prophylaxis, although serum azole concentrations
were low in the majority of the patients tested. One-third of patients
with pulmonary complications, including invasive fungal infections, were
asymptomatic. Serial screening for elevated inflammatory markers, such
as C-reactive protein (CRP), followed by imaging of the suspected
organ(s) involved if levels are elevated, are suggested to monitor for
and diagnose infection. (See "Chronic granulomatous disease: Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis", section on 'Sites of infection' and "Chronic granulomatous disease: Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis", section on 'Pulmonary' and "Chronic granulomatous disease: Treatment and prognosis", section on 'Antifungal prophylaxis' and "Pulmonary complications of primary immunodeficiencies", section on 'Chronic granulomatous disease' and "Chronic granulomatous disease: Treatment and prognosis", section on 'Monitoring and diagnosis'.)
Dedicator of cytokinesis 2 deficiency (June 2015)
Dedicator
of cytokinesis 2 (DOCK2) deficiency is a newly recognized combined
immunodeficiency (CID). Biallelic (homozygous or compound heterozygous)
mutations in the DOCK2 gene were identified through whole-exome
sequencing in a group of unrelated patients with early-onset invasive
bacterial and viral infections, lymphopenia, and defective T, B, and NK
cell responses [8]. DOCK2
deficiency results in impaired activation of RAC1 that leads to defects
in actin polymerization, lymphocyte proliferation and migration,
natural killer cell degranulation, and response to viral infections in
fibroblasts and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Other CIDs that are
the result of defects in actin regulation include Wiskott-Aldrich
syndrome and DOCK8 deficiency. (See "Combined immunodeficiencies", section on 'Dedicator of cytokinesis 2 deficiency'.)
URTICARIA AND ANGIOEDEMA
Mechanism proposed for hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor and FXII mutations (August 2015)
Hereditary
angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor is a rare disorder; normal
complement studies distinguish this from other forms of hereditary
angioedema. Defects in the gene for coagulation factor XII (FXII) are
seen in some patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1
inhibitor but a mechanism linking FXII defects and angioedema has been
lacking. A new study proposes that one FXII mutation found in these
patients affects a glycosylation site, resulting in increased
autoactivation of FXII [9].
Increased FXII autoactivation could lead to enhanced activation of the
kallikrein-kinin pathway and excessive bradykinin formation. Thus, a
potential mechanism has been identified for the pathogenesis of the
hereditary angioedema in patients with normal complement studies and a
FXII mutation. (See "Hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor (type III HAE)", section on 'Mutations in the FXII gene'.)
VACCINES AND VACCINE HYPERSENSITIVITY
Revised schedule for pneumococcal vaccination in older adults (September 2015)
The
23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) has been
recommended for many years in the United States for all adults ≥65 years
of age. In 2014, the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) began also recommending the 13-valent pneumococcal
conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for adults ≥65 years of age [10].
In September 2015, the ACIP changed the recommended interval between
administration of PCV13 and PPSV23 for immunocompetent adults ≥65 years
of age from 6-12 months to ≥1 year to simplify the administration
schedule (algorithm 1) [11]. In patients who have already received PPSV23, at least 1 year should elapse before they are given PCV13. (See "Pneumococcal vaccination in adults", section on 'Schedule for dual vaccination'.)
US ACIP recommendations for serogroup B meningococcal vaccination (June 2015)
In
late 2014 and early 2015, the US Food and Drug Administration approved
two serogroup B meningococcal vaccines (Trumenba, MenB-FHbp and Bexsero,
MenB-4C). In June 2015, the Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) issued recommendations for serogroup B meningococcal
vaccine for high-risk individuals aged 10 years or older; these include
individuals with persistent complement component deficiencies,
individuals with anatomic or functional asplenia, microbiologists
routinely exposed to N. meningitidis isolates, and individuals at increased risk because of a serogroup B meningococcal disease outbreak [12]. These indications overlap with those for the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine and are summarized in the table (table 1).
Among patients with none of the above risk factors, the ACIP advises
discussion between doctors and patients regarding vaccination against
serogroup B meningococcus; routine vaccination has not been recommended [13]. (See "Meningococcal vaccines", section on 'Use in United States'.)
OTHER GENERAL ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
Prediction model for eosinophilic esophagitis (September 2015)
The distinction
between eosinophilic esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease is
often difficult to make. A prediction model that incorporated eight
clinical and endoscopic features (younger age; male sex; presence of
dysphagia and food allergies; presence of esophageal rings, furrows, and
plaques; and lack of a hiatal hernia) predicted eosinophilic
esophagitis with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 84, 97,
and 92 percent, respectively [14]. However, additional studies are needed to validate this model. (See "Clinical manifestations and diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis", section on 'Distinction from GERD'.)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome outbreak associated with M. pneumoniae (August 2015)
Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN)
is a rare, severe blistering mucocutaneous reaction, most commonly
triggered by medications, characterized by extensive necrosis and
detachment of the epidermis and mucosa. Mycoplasma pneumoniae and cytomegalovirus infections are the next most common trigger of SJS/TEN, particularly in children. Between September and November 2013, an outbreak of eight pediatric cases of M. pneumoniae-associated SJS/TEN was reported in Colorado, likely related to high levels of M. pneumoniae infection in the region [15].
All children had severe oropharyngeal mucositis; the conjunctiva was
involved in seven children and the genital mucosa in five. (See "Stevens-Johnson
syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis: Pathogenesis, clinical
manifestations, and diagnosis", section on 'Infection'.)
Influenza vaccine recommendations for 2015-2016 influenza season (August 2015)
In
August 2015, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices released
recommendations for the prevention and control of influenza during the
2015-2016 influenza season in the United States. As in previous seasons,
seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone ≥6 months of
age [16]. Changes for the 2015-2016 season include:
●Different influenza A H3N2 and influenza B (Yamagata lineage) antigens than were in the 2014-2015 vaccines
●A simplified dosing algorithm for children six months through eight years (algorithm 2)
●Availability of a quadrivalent intradermal vaccine for adults 18 through 64 years of age (table 2)
(See "Seasonal influenza in children: Prevention with vaccines", section on 'Schedule' and "Seasonal influenza vaccination in adults", section on 'Overview'.)
Predictors of the need for repeat epinephrine doses in anaphylaxis (August 2015)
Epinephrine
is the first-line therapy for anaphylaxis, and retrospective studies
suggest that up to one-third of patients may require a second dose.
However, predictive factors for requiring more than one dose are not
well defined. In a prospective cohort study of over 500 patients (all
ages) treated for anaphylaxis in a tertiary care emergency
department, 14 percent of those requiring any epinephrine required more
than one dose [17].
Patients with a history of previous anaphylaxis, and those presenting
with flushing, diaphoresis, or dyspnea, were more likely to require
multiple doses of epinephrine to control symptoms. Anaphylaxis is an
inherently unpredictable disorder, but this study provides some insight
into predictors of a more complicated treatment course and may help
clinicians managing such patients. (See "Anaphylaxis: Rapid recognition and treatment", section on 'Dosing and administration'.)
Ease of use of different epinephrine autoinjectors for anaphylaxis (July 2015)
Epinephrine
autoinjectors can be life saving for patients with serious allergies,
but even with specific training, many people have trouble using the
various devices properly. A randomized trial of mothers of food-allergic
children, tested in simulated anaphylaxis scenarios, suggested that the
Auvi-Q device, a rectangular cassette that has audible instructions to
guide the user through the injection process, was easier to use than
non-audible pen devices [18]. When
prescribing an epinephrine autoinjector, ease of use, cost, the need
for multiple injectors, and patient facility with self-injection should
all be considered. (See "Prescribing epinephrine for anaphylaxis self-treatment", section on 'Ease of use'.)
Acute worsening of atopic dermatitis due to aeroallergen exposure (July 2015)
Environmental
allergens are a trigger of atopic dermatitis (AD) in a small subset of
children and adults. Patients who have environmental allergies as a
trigger of AD have persistent disease with chronic exposure to an
allergen in the environment. A small study of adults with AD
demonstrated that exposure to grass pollen in an environmental challenge
chamber for two consecutive days resulted in a significant worsening of
AD on exposed skin for the five days after challenge compared with
exposure to clean air (placebo) [19]. This study shows that an isolated exposure to an aeroallergen can cause an acute flare of AD in sensitized individuals. (See "Role of allergy in atopic dermatitis (eczema)", section on 'Aeroallergens'.)
Unclear association between atopic dermatitis and lymphoma (May 2015)
The
association between atopic dermatitis and lymphoma is controversial. A
2015 systematic review and meta-analysis of four cohort studies and 18
case-control studies found a modest increase in the risk of lymphoma in
patients with atopic dermatitis compared with the general population [20].
The risk increase was significant in the meta-analysis of the cohort
studies but not in the case-control studies. However, the large
heterogeneity of case-control studies in study design and diagnostic
criteria does not allow any definite conclusion. In particular, due to
overlapping clinical features, cases of cutaneous T cell lymphoma may
have been initially misdiagnosed and treated as severe atopic
dermatitis. (See "Pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema)", section on 'Risk of lymphoma'.)
Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with atopic dermatitis (April 2015)
Several
lines of evidence suggest that the incidence of psychiatric
comorbidities, including major depression and anxiety disorders, is
increased among patients with atopic dermatitis and may be influenced by
factors such as perceived disease severity and quality of life. A
longitudinal cohort study evaluated the risk of developing major
depression or anxiety disorders later in life among more than 8000
adolescents and adults with atopic dermatitis and age- and sex-matched
controls [21].
Patients with atopic dermatitis had a six- and fourfold increased risk
of developing major depression or anxiety disorders, respectively. These
findings suggest that the identification and treatment of psychiatric
comorbidities are important aspects of the management of patients with
atopic dermatitis. (See "Pathogenesis,
clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of atopic dermatitis (eczema)",
section on 'Depression and anxiety disorder'.)
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REFERENCES
- Krug N, Hohlfeld JM, Kirsten AM, et al. Allergen-induced asthmatic responses modified by a GATA3-specific DNAzyme. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:1987.
- Over-the-Counter Asthma Products Labeled as Homeopathic: FDA Statement - Consumer Warning About Potential Health Risks. http://www.fda.gov/safety/medwatch/safetyinformation/safetyalertsforhumanmedicalproducts/ucm439014.htm.
- Blumenthal KG, Youngster I, Rabideau DJ, et al. Peripheral blood eosinophilia and hypersensitivity reactions among patients receiving outpatient parenteral antibiotics. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015.
- Gaeta F, Valluzzi RL, Alonzi C, et al. Tolerability of aztreonam and carbapenems in patients with IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to penicillins. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 135:972.
- Ureña-Tavera A, Zamora-Verduga M, Madrigal-Burgaleta R, et al. Hypersensitivity reactions to racemic calcium folinate (leucovorin) during FOLFOX and FOLFIRI chemotherapy administrations. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 135:1066.
- Ching JC, Lau W, Hannach B, Upton JE. Peanut and fish allergy due to platelet transfusion in a child. CMAJ 2015; 187:905.
- Salvator H, Mahlaoui N, Catherinot E, et al. Pulmonary manifestations in adult patients with chronic granulomatous disease. Eur Respir J 2015; 45:1613.
- Dobbs K, Domínguez Conde C, Zhang SY, et al. Inherited DOCK2 Deficiency in Patients with Early-Onset Invasive Infections. N Engl J Med 2015; 372:2409.
- Björkqvist J, de Maat S, Lewandrowski U, et al. Defective glycosylation of coagulation factor XII underlies hereditary angioedema type III. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:3132.
- Tomczyk S, Bennett NM, Stoecker C, et al. Use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine among adults aged ≥65 years: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2014; 63:822.
- Kobayashi M, Bennett NM, Gierke R, et al. Intervals Between PCV13 and PPSV23 Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015; 64:944.
- Folaranmi T, Rubin L, Martin SW, et al. Use of Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccines in Persons Aged ≥10 Years at Increased Risk for Serogroup B Meningococcal Disease: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, 2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015; 64:608.
- http://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2015/06/acip-endorses-individual-choice-meningitis-b-vaccine (Accessed on June 25, 2015).
- Dellon ES, Rusin S, Gebhart JH, et al. A Clinical Prediction Tool Identifies Cases of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Without Endoscopic Biopsy: A Prospective Study. Am J Gastroenterol 2015; 110:1347.
- Olson D, Watkins LK, Demirjian A, et al. Outbreak of Mycoplasma pneumoniae-Associated Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Pediatrics 2015; 136:e386.
- Grohskopf LA, Sokolow LZ, Olsen SJ, et al. Prevention and Control of Influenza with Vaccines: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2015-16 Influenza Season. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015; 64:818.
- Campbell RL, Bashore CJ, Lee S, et al. Predictors of Repeat Epinephrine Administration for Emergency Department Patients with Anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2015; 3:576.
- Umasunthar T, Procktor A, Hodes M, et al. Patients' ability to treat anaphylaxis using adrenaline autoinjectors: a randomized controlled trial. Allergy 2015; 70:855.
- Werfel T, Heratizadeh A, Niebuhr M, et al. Exacerbation of atopic dermatitis on grass pollen exposure in an environmental challenge chamber. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2015; 136:96.
- Legendre L, Barnetche T, Mazereeuw-Hautier J, et al. Risk of lymphoma in patients with atopic dermatitis and the role of topical treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2015; 72:992.
- Cheng CM, Hsu JW, Huang KL, et al. Risk of developing major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders among adolescents and adults with atopic dermatitis: a nationwide longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2015; 178:60.
Topic Outline
- ASTHMA AND COPD
- Investigational agent shows promise in asthma (June 2015)
- Warning about use of non-prescription asthma treatments (April 2015)
- DRUG HYPERSENSITIVITY
- Eosinophilia during prolonged antibiotic therapy (June 2015)
- Low allergic cross-reactivity between penicillins and carbapenems (May 2015)
- Immediate infusion reactions to leucovorin (April 2015)
- FOOD ALLERGY AND INTOLERANCE
- Transient transfer of food allergies in a blood product (September 2015)
- IMMUNODEFICIENCY
- Pulmonary manifestations in adults with chronic granulomatous disease (June 2015)
- Dedicator of cytokinesis 2 deficiency (June 2015)
- URTICARIA AND ANGIOEDEMA
- Mechanism proposed for hereditary angioedema with normal C1 inhibitor and FXII mutations (August 2015)
- VACCINES AND VACCINE HYPERSENSITIVITY
- Revised schedule for pneumococcal vaccination in older adults (September 2015)
- US ACIP recommendations for serogroup B meningococcal vaccination (June 2015)
- OTHER GENERAL ALLERGY AND IMMUNOLOGY
- Prediction model for eosinophilic esophagitis (September 2015)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome outbreak associated with M. pneumoniae (August 2015)
- Influenza vaccine recommendations for 2015-2016 influenza season (August 2015)
- Predictors of the need for repeat epinephrine doses in anaphylaxis (August 2015)
- Ease of use of different epinephrine autoinjectors for anaphylaxis (July 2015)
- Acute worsening of atopic dermatitis due to aeroallergen exposure (July 2015)
- Unclear association between atopic dermatitis and lymphoma (May 2015)
- Depression and anxiety disorders in patients with atopic dermatitis (April 2015)
- REFERENCES