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Systemic allergy to human (recombinant DNA) insulin.
Annals of Allergy
|August 1, 1985
Summary
Insulin allergy is rare, but some patients react even to human insulin. This case highlights the need for desensitization therapy in pregnant individuals with severe insulin allergies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Insulin allergy is a rare complication of insulin therapy.
- Differences in amino acid sequences between animal and human insulins contribute to allergic reactions.
- Pregnancy necessitates careful management of diabetes and insulin therapy.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old pregnant woman presented with allergies to beef/pork, purified pork, and human insulin.
- She exhibited a wheal and flare reaction upon intradermal testing with human and purified porcine insulins.
- Standard insulin preparations were not suitable for her management.
Findings:
- The patient was successfully desensitized to human insulin.
- This allowed for continued insulin therapy throughout her pregnancy.
- The case demonstrates a rare but significant hypersensitivity to human insulin.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering human insulin allergy in specific patient populations.
- Desensitization protocols may be crucial for managing pregnant patients with severe insulin allergies.
- Further research into the mechanisms of human insulin hypersensitivity is warranted.