Acute allergic reaction and demonstration of specific IgE antibodies against α-1-protease inhibitor

Abstract

A 44 yr-old female with severe pulmonary emphysema and reduced α1- protease inhibitor (α1-PI) serum levels developed an acute anaphylactic reaction following the third intravenous infusion of human α1-PI which was administered to prevent the progression of pulmonary emphysema. Specific immunoglobulin E-antibodies against human α1-PI could be demonstrated in the patient's serum using an enzyme allergosorbent test. Because of the risk of further severe anaphylactic reaction, the replacement therapy with α1- PI was discontinued. Physicians should be aware of this rare complication.