Research progress on desensitization of hypersensitivity reaction to iodinated contrast media

Desensitization therapy for iodinated contrast media (ICM) aims to induce drug tolerance in patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to ICM in a short time. Currently, there is no widely accepted consensus on inducing desensitization to avoid severe allergic responses to ICM. The clinically successful cases have shown that prophylactic use of antihistamines and glucocorticoids can increase the desensitization effect; repeatedly desensitizing and gradually increasing the dose can be conducive to establishing better tolerance to ICM. Most desensitization effects, including stress resistance, can endure 24-48 h. The mechanisms of desensitization therapy remain unclear, the initial dose, administration interval and dose gradient are largely based on clinical experiences and the reaction of patients. This article reviews the current research progress on ICM-related allergies, desensitization methods and related mechanisms, as well as the benefits and hazards of desensitization, to provide a reference for desensitization treatment of hypersensitivity to ICM .