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Updated: Apr 6, 2026
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Basophil Activation Test for Allergy Diagnosis
Published on: May 31, 2021
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Chlorpheniramine-induced anaphylaxis diagnosed by basophil activation test
Hyun-Seung Lee1, Woo-Jung Song1, Ji-Won Lee1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 110-799, Korea. ; Institute of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Seoul National University Medical Research Center, Seoul 110-799, Korea.
Asia Pacific Allergy
|August 5, 2015
Summary
Chlorpheniramine can cause rare hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Basophil activation tests, alongside skin tests, aid in diagnosing this drug allergy when provocation tests are risky.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chlorpheniramine is a common H1-antihistamine used for allergic conditions.
- Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to chlorpheniramine are rare but possible.
- Diagnostic challenges exist for drug-induced hypersensitivity, especially with comorbidities.
Observation:
- A 33-year-old female with chronic urticaria experienced recurrent anaphylaxis post-chlorpheniramine.
- Intradermal testing revealed positive reactions to chlorpheniramine.
- Basophil activation testing showed increased CD63 and CD203c expression.
Findings:
- The patient demonstrated a specific hypersensitivity to chlorpheniramine.
- Skin and basophil activation tests were valuable diagnostic tools.
- Basophil activation test indicated chlorpheniramine-induced allergic response.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for rare but severe allergic reactions to chlorpheniramine.
- Suggests basophil activation testing as a useful adjunct for diagnosing chlorpheniramine allergy.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering drug-specific allergy testing in complex cases.
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