Chlorpheniramine-induced anaphylaxis diagnosed by basophil activation test
10.5415/apallergy.2015.5.3.177
- Author:
Hyun Seung LEE
1
;
Woo Jung SONG
;
Ji Won LEE
;
Young Yoon CHO
;
Han Ki PARK
;
Min Gyu KANG
;
Sang Heon CHO
;
Seong Wook SOHN
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Drug Hypersensitivity;
Anaphylaxis;
Basophils
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anaphylaxis;
Basophils;
Chlorpheniramine;
Comorbidity;
Diagnosis;
Diagnostic Tests, Routine;
Drug Hypersensitivity;
Female;
Humans;
Hypersensitivity;
Hypersensitivity, Immediate;
Intradermal Tests;
Skin Tests;
Up-Regulation;
Urticaria
- From:
Asia Pacific Allergy
2015;5(3):177-180
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Chlorpheniramine is a widely prescribed H1-antihistamine for relieving urticaria or histamine-mediated allergic reactions. However, although rare, it may cause immediate hypersensitivity reactions. The diagnosis is usually made by provocation test, but its application is often limited due to comorbidities or potential risk of severe reactions. In those cases, skin tests and basophil activation tests can be considered as additional diagnostic tests for the drug allergy. Here, we report a 33-year-old female with underlying chronic urticaria, who recurrently developed anaphylaxis after chlorpheniramine administration. Intradermal test showed positive responses in the patient at 0.02 mg/mL of chlorpheniramine, but not in healthy controls. Basophil activation test showed significant up-regulation of CD63 and CD203c by chlorpheniramine. The present case reminds the rare but potential allergic risk of chlorpheniramine, and also suggests the potential utility of basophil activation test in making the diagnosis.
