Skin testing for IgE-mediated drug allergy.

Full Abstract

Skin tests with drugs help determine the cause and mechanism of drug hypersensitivity reactions. The diagnosis of adverse drug reactions is based primarily on history and clinical presentation. In type I, IgE-mediated allergic drug reactions, skin prick test and intradermal testing may provide rapid and supportive evidence for diagnosis or exclusion of IgE-mediated reactions. These tests often are more sensitive than laboratory assays for IgE antibodies to drug allergens, which are available only for a few drugs. Because intradermal skin tests occasionally induce adverse events, they should be performed by experienced personnel in an adequate environment.

Author information

Author/s: Kränke, Birger (B); Aberer, Werner (W);

Affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 8, Graz 8036, Austria. birger.kraenke(-atsign-)medunigraz.at

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Immunology and allergy clinics of North America (Immunol Allergy Clin North Am), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 29 (issue 3) : pp 503-16

Dates: Created 2009/06/30; Completed 2009/10/22;

PMID: 19563994, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 10/22/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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