%0 Journal Article
%T A world allergy organization international survey on diagnostic procedures and therapies in drug allergy/hypersensitivity
%A Bernard Thong
%A Rita Mirakian
%A Mariana Castells
%A Werner Pichler
%A Antonino Romano
%A Patrizia Bonadonna
%A Deleanu Diana
%A Marek Kowalski
%A Anahi Yanez
%A Ramon Lleonart
%A Mario Sanchez-Borges
%A Pascal Demoly
%J World Allergy Organization Journal
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1097/wox.0b013e31823dc02c
%X A questionnaire comprising 39 questions was circulated electronically to member societies, associate member societies, and regional and affiliate organizations of WAO between June 29, 2009, and August 9, 2009.Eighty-two responses were received. Skin testing was used by 74.7%, with only 71.4% having access to penicillin skin test reagents. In vitro-specific IgE tests were used by 67.4%, and basophil activation test was used by 54.4%. Lymphocyte transformation tests were used by 36.8% and patch tests by 54.7%. Drug provocation tests were used by 68.4%, the most common indication being to exclude hypersensitivity where history/symptoms were not suggestive of drug hypersensitivity/allergy (76.9%). Rapid desensitization for chemotherapy, antibiotics, or biologic agents was used by 69.6%. Systemic corticosteroid was used in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome by 72.3%, and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins in toxic epidermal necrolysis by 50.8%. Human leukocyte antigen screening before prescription of abacavir was used by 92.9% and before prescription of carbamazepine by 21.4%.Results of this survey form a useful framework for developing educational and training needs and for improving access to drug allergy diagnostic and treatment modalities across WAO member societies.
%U http://www.waojournal.org/content/4/12/257/abstract