Anaphylactic Shock Medical and Health News Headlines

Related Articles

Skin testing performed in individuals cannot be compared with responses from anaphylactic patients.

Anesth Analg. 2008 Oct;107(4):1441; author reply 1441

Authors: Dewachter P, Mouton-Faivre C

PMID: 18806067 [PubMed - in process]

[Tako-Tsubo syndrome after anaphylaxis caused by succinylcholine during general anaesthesia.]

Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2008 Sep 29;

Authors: Cabaton J, Rondelet B, Gergele L, Besnard C, Piriou V

The Tako-Tsubo syndrome (or transient left ventricular apical balloning) is a new clinical entity, very similar to acute myocardial infarction, but different by its excellent short-term prognosis. It has been reported after a physical or an emotional stress, and it is diagnosed by a coronary angiogram and a left ventriculography. We report here a case of Tako-Tsubo syndrome related to an anaphylactic shock caused by succinylcholine during general anaesthesia of a female patient, wearing an unadjustable gastric band.

PMID: 18829243 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Dose-dependent food allergy induction against ovalbumin under acid-suppression: A murine food allergy model.

Immunol Lett. 2008 Sep 24;

Authors: Diesner SC, Knittelfelder R, Krishnamurthy D, Pali-Schöll I, Gajdzik L, Jensen-Jarolim E, Untersmayr E

BACKGROUND: Animal models are essential for analyzing the allergenic potential of food proteins and for investigating mechanisms underlying food allergy. Based on previous studies revealing acid-suppression medication as risk factor for food allergy induction, we aimed to establish a mouse model mimicking the natural route of sensitization in patients. METHODS: The effect of acid-suppressing medication on murine gastric pH was assessed by intragastric pH measurements after two injections of a proton pump inhibitor (PPI). To investigate dose-dependency, mice were fed different concentrations of ovalbumin (OVA; 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 or 5.0mg) either with or without anti-ulcer medication. Additionally, different routes of exposure (i.p. vs. oral) were compared in a second immunization experiment. Sera were screened for OVA-specific antibody titers (IgG1, IgG2a and IgE) in ELISA and RBL assay. Clinical reactivity was evaluated by measuring rectal temperature after oral challenge and by type I skin tests. RESULTS: Two intravenous injections of PPI significantly elevated the gastric pH from 2.97 to 5.3. Only oral immunization with 0.2mg OVA under anti-acid medication rendered elevated IgG1, IgG2a and IgE titers compared to all other concentrations. Protein feeding alone altered antibody titers only marginally. Even though also i.p. immunizations induced high levels of specific IgE, only oral immunizations under anti-acids induced anaphylactic reactions evidenced by a significant decrease of body temperature. CONCLUSION: Only low-dosage ovalbumin feedings under anti-acid medication resulted in IgE mediated food allergy. Based on this knowledge we have established a suitable food allergy model for further investigations of food adverse reactions.

PMID: 18824031 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Mast cells and mast cell-derived factors in the regulation of allergic sensitization.

Chem Immunol Allergy. 2008;94:58-66

Authors: Taube C, Stassen M

Mast cells have been mainly regarded as effector cells in IgE-dependent mucosal immunity, including the host res - ponse to helminthic parasites but also the formidable and sometimes fatal anaphylactic reactions to inhaled or ingested allergens. Work performed mostly within the last decade revealed novel functions for mast cells as critical initi ators of fast inflammatory reactions upon IgE-independent activation. Thus, their role as a sentinel in innate immunity also suggests that mast cells are able to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Herein, we will summarize the accumulating evidence that mast cells are also able to promote and to modu late the development of adaptive immune reactions with emphasis on their role in allergic sensitization in skin and lung. Based on murine data published so far, it is becoming apparent that mast cells and their mediators are of critical relevance for allergen sensitization under conditions which more closely resemble physiological contact with allergens. Yet, the function of mast cells can sometimes be bypassed using vigorous sensitization protocols, a finding which should be taken into account when animal models for complex human diseases are investigated.

PMID: 18802337 [PubMed - in process]

Adverse event reports following yellow fever vaccination.

Vaccine. 2008 Sep 19;

Authors: Lindsey NP, Schroeder BA, Miller ER, Braun MM, Hinckley AF, Marano N, Slade BA, Barnett ED, Brunette GW, Horan K, Staples JE, Kozarsky PE, Hayes EB

Yellow fever (YF) vaccine has been used for prevention of YF since 1937 with over 500 million doses administered. However, rare reports of severe adverse events following vaccination have raised concerns about the vaccine's safety. We reviewed reports of adverse events following YF vaccination reported to the U.S. Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) from 2000 to 2006. We used estimates of age and sex distribution of administered doses obtained from a 2006 survey of authorized vaccine providers to calculate age- and sex-specific reporting rates of all serious adverse events (SAE), anaphylaxis, YF vaccine-associated neurotropic disease, and YF vaccine-associated viscerotropic disease. Reporting rates of SAEs were substantially higher in males and in persons aged >/=60 years. These findings reinforce the generally acceptable safety profile of YF vaccine, but highlight the importance of physician and traveler education regarding the risks and benefits of YF vaccination, particularly for travelers >/=60 years of age. Vaccination should be limited to persons traveling to areas where the risk of YF is expected to exceed the risk of serious adverse events after vaccination, or if not medically contraindicated, where national regulations require proof of vaccination to prevent introduction of YF.

PMID: 18809449 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]