[Suspicion of allergy to anti-COVID-19 vaccines]
[Suspected allergy to COVID-19 vaccines: A retrospective study of 320 patients]
The health context with COVID-19 pandemic has led to fast development of many vaccines against the SarS-Cov-2 virus. Four of them are currently available in France and contain polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate 80 as excipients, already described as causing anaphylaxis. French recommendations have been suggested by allergology authorities and proposed a course of action in the event of a suspected allergy to these vaccines. Thus, allergies to excipients were the only contraindication to COVID-19 vaccination. Our main objective was to determine the impact of these allergology vaccine recommendations on the management of these patients. Our secondary objective was to determine prevalence of true allergies to these vaccines.
The effect of COVID-19 on patients recieving omalizumab treatment
Although exposure during drug administration and susceptibility to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection secondary to immunomodulatory effects constitute potential risks for patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) or asthma on omalizumab (OMZ), there is a risk of loss of response following discontinuation of OMZ. There are few studies describing the clinical course of COVID-19 in patients receiving OMZ.
The percentage of hesitation and factors associated with acceptance or refusal for COVID-19 vaccine: Does training about vaccines by allergist affect personal decision?
As the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 arises worldwide, the effect of vaccines is protecting its importance. The aim of this study was to investigate the vaccination perspectives of patients and learn how many patients were persuaded to get vaccinated with the effect of the education provided by allergists.
[Hesitation and factors associated with acceptance or refusal for COVID-19 vaccination: Correspondence]
The course of COVID-19 in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria receiving omalizumab treatment
Although there are case reports and guideline recommendations that states omalizumab can be used in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) patients during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, there are scarce studies showing the course of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in CSU patients receiving omalizumab.
The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on symptom severity in school children with house dust mite-sensitized allergic rhinitis
The lockdown imposed on children due to the COVID-19 pandemic and their inability to attend school increased their exposure to indoor allergens by causing them to spend more time indoors. In this study, the aim was to reveal the effect of the pandemic and increased exposure to indoor aeroallergens on the symptom severity of school-age children with house dust mite-sensitized allergic rhinitis (AR).
[Biomarkers and functional tests in immediate hypersensitivity to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines]
Hypersensitivity to mRNA vaccines directed against SARS-CoV-2 are rare. They may be related to an IgE-dependent mechanism involving PEG contained in vaccines in the form of liposomes. Direct activation of the classical complement pathway (CARPA) has also been strongly suspected. In addition to skin tests, biomarkers have been proposed: anti-PEG antibodies, determination of anaphylatoxins C5a and C3a, or soluble complex C5b-9. Anti-PEG antibodies can be measured by non-standardized in house methods; their presence in post-vaccination reactions against SARS-CoV2 has not been confirmed by all the studies as well as for complement proteins. Mast cell mediators (histamine and tryptase) could rarely be assayed at the time of reaction and their increase is inconstant depending on studies. A slightly elevated baseline tryptase level in some patients suggests that hyper-alphatryptasemia might be involved. A basophil activation test (BAT) can be performed but the results are still preliminary depending on the allergens used: PEG, PEG in the form of liposomes or vaccine itself. The lack of positivity of skin tests in some patients even though basophils are able to be activated in the presence of the same allergen confirms the hypothesis in this case of a possible non-IgE-dependent phenomenon. In conclusion, concerning the exploration of immediate reactions to mRNA vaccines directed against SARS-CoV-2, the place of biological markers requires additional studies in order to better identify the actors and mechanisms involved.
Lethal Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis probably induced by Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine
[Contact dermatitis caused by elastic bands from surgical mask]
Preventive measures including mask wearing are crucial in slowing the transmission of COVID-19 disease. However, prolonged wearing of protective masks can easily generate excessive sweating, moisture and friction. Closed and warm environments heighten the skin's permeability and sensitivity to physical or chemical irritants, leading to chronic cumulative irritant contact dermatitis or, rarely, even allergic contact dermatitis. Although not representing a life-threatening condition, allergic contact dermatitis create emotional discomfort due to the involvement of evident body areas. To minimize the skin breakdown, adherence to standards on wearing protective and safe equipments and avoidance of overprotection should be performed.
[ARN COVID-19 COMIRNATY Vaccine desensitization in a case of PEG Severe Immediate Hypersensitivity]
Vaccination is the most efficient way to fight the Covid epidemic. However, suspicion of severe hypersensitivity to PEG (PolyEthylen Glycol) usually constitutes a vaccine contraindication. We report the case of a patient with a proven allergy to PEG and skin sensitization to the COMIRNATY vaccine (PEG in its composition). He was able to benefit from the vaccine under the 5-step desensitization protocol. Conclusions: Specific allergological management should be offered to patients suspected of severe hypersensitivity to PEG and other vaccine excipients. We propose a solution for Comirnaty administration for patients with a proven severe allergy to PEG.
Tryptase and anaphylaxis: The case for systematic paired samples in all settings, from the playground to the COVID-19 vaccination center
[Anaphylaxis and COVID-19 vaccines]
Vaccines against COVID-19 are an essential global intervention to control the current pandemic situation. Anaphylactic reactions have rapidly been reported after SARS-CoV2 RNA vaccines. This risk is now measured at 2.5-11/1,000,000 in the context of vaccine safety surveillance programs and only one case was documented to be due to polyethylene glycol. Suggestions for its role are indirect. The COVID-19 vaccination is rolling out vastly and surveillance programs are key to monitor severe adverse reactions, such as anaphylaxis. It is important to restore confidence about vaccination with COVID-19 mRNA and other vaccines and current data confirm their safety with no greater mortality than previous vaccines. Anaphylaxis is a complication that should be recognized immediately, be treated with epinephrine and which is not limiting and allows re-vaccination of some patients with pre-medication. It is important to recognize populations at risk such as women, patients with a history of allergies and anaphylaxis and to recognize the rare patients who have mast cell activating diseases. Anaphylaxis due to vaccine is extremely rare and specific cases should receive individualized investigation and care, highlighting the key role of allergists in the vaccination programmes.
[Tonic water and quinine-a bicentennial booming cocktail]
During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the media has often mentioned the presence of quinine in tonic water. Media accounts of quinine's antiviral effect as well as press reports about quinine-based compounds, such as hydroxychloroquine, have sparked renewed public interest in drinking tonic water, which could perhaps result in an increase in allergic phenomena. On the 200th anniversary of the discovery of quinine, our main objective was to analyze hypersensitivity reactions, related to the consumption of beverages containing quinine, described in the literature.
[Hymenoptera venom allergy: Management of venom extracts shortage or sanitary crisis (Covid-19 pandemic). Stinging Insects Task Force recommendations]
Recurrent venom extracts shortages as well as the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted the SFA/Anaforcal Stinging Insects Task Force to develop recommendations on venom immunotherapy (VIT), in accordance with international guidelines, to be able to offer and maintain VIT to patients with life-threatening risks. How to diagnose allergy to hymenoptera venoms, indications and duration of VIT, maintenance intervals and doses, interchangeability of venom extracts and monitoring of patients on VIT have been adapted to this time of crisis, allowing clinicians to treat their patients with the most benefit and lowest constraint. These recommendations are temporary and will be reviewed after returning to a normal situation.
[Impact of confinement on the follow-up of oral immunotherapies: A multicentre study in the Île-de-France region]
Several studies have confirmed the impact of confinement on the population, resulting in disruption of care, somatic and psychological effects. Our study looks at adverse effects and problems of adherence to oral immunotherapy therapy (OIT) during this period.
[News and memories. From Covid-19 vaccine to plastic bronchitis…]
[The allergist facing the COVID-19 pandemic: What impact and what precautions should be taken?]
In the unusual health environment of the COVID 19 pandemic, allergists must adapt their exercise and their office or clinic, by strengthening hygiene and distancing precautions. In case of sanitary containment telehealth can, in many cases, replace face-to-face visits. Nevertheless, each practitioner must define the contingency planning and the priorities according to his own practice and the epidemic context.
[Allergic immunotherapy in children and adolescents]
Specific allergic immunotherapy requires repeated administration of allergens in order to induce clinical and immunological tolerance. This is the only therapy with an aetiological aim that modifies the course of the disease by ensuring remission after the interruption of the procedure. The prevention of new sensitizations by immunotherapy is still under discussion. In this review we will consider the main immunological mechanisms and indications for immunotherapy in children and adolescents.