[Diagnostics of drug hypersensitivity reactions]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Pharmacology
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) account for roughly 25% of all adverse drug reactions.
• DHRs are categorized into allergic and pseudoallergic types, with varied clinical presentations like anaphylaxis and rashes.
• Diagnosis relies on medical history, skin tests, and challenge tests.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline diagnostic strategies for drug hypersensitivity reactions.
• To highlight the role of in vitro tests in diagnosing severe or unclear cases.
• To emphasize the importance of identifying causative drugs and tolerated alternatives for patient counseling and prevention.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive medical history evaluation.
• In vivo diagnostic methods including skin and provocation tests.
• In vitro diagnostic methods such as basophil activation tests and T-cell assays.

Main Results:

• In vitro tests provide valuable and sometimes decisive diagnostic information, particularly for severe or ambiguous reactions.
• Diagnostic work-up aims to confirm drug intolerance and identify the specific offending agent.
• These methods help determine the reaction type and suggest safe alternative medications.

Conclusions:

• Accurate diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions is crucial for patient safety.
• In vitro testing complements traditional methods, offering deeper insights into DHR mechanisms.
• Identifying the causative drug and suitable alternatives improves patient counseling and prevents future adverse events.