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Basophil Activation Test for Investigation of IgE-Mediated Mechanisms in Drug Hypersensitivity
Published on: September 16, 2011
Drug hypersensitivity in students from São Paulo, Brazil
Luis Felipe Chiaverini Ensina1, Maria Helena Lopes Amigo, Thais Koch
1Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Santo Amaro, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. lfensina@yahoo.com.br
Background:
Drug hypersensitivity is responsible for substantial mortality and morbidity, and increased health costs. However, epidemiological data on drug hypersensitivity in general or specific populations are scarce.
Methods:
We performed a cross-sectional survey of 1015 university students, using a self-reported questionnaire.
Results:
The prevalence of self-reported drug hypersensitivity was 12,11% (123/1015). The most frequently implicated drugs were non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (45,9%) and beta-lactam and sulfonamide antibiotics (25,40%). The majority of the patients reported dermatological manifestations (99), followed by respiratory (40), digestive (23) and other (19). Forty-five patients had an immediate type reaction, and 76,72% (89) had the drug by oral route.
Conclusion:
The results showed that drug hypersensitivity is highly prevalent in university students, and that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and antibiotics (beta-lactams and sulfonamide) are the most frequently concerned drugs.
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