Drug-induced anaphylaxis—elicitors, mechanisms and diagnosis

Abstract

Drugs are one of the major causes of anaphylaxis. For example 2346 cases of drug-induced anaphylaxis were reported to the anaphylaxis register as of March 2019. The most common triggers of drug-induced anaphylaxis were nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; n = 902) and antibiotics (n = 721). Drug-induced anaphylaxis can be caused by IgE-dependent (e.g., penicillins) and IgE-independent mechanisms. Recently MRG-PX2 has been identified as a receptor for non-IgE-dependent mechanisms. Drug-induced anaphylaxis results more frequently in lethal reactions and is more commonly associated with cardiovascular symptoms. Also therapy refractory anaphylaxis is more frequently triggered by drugs. For the diagnosis of drug-induced anaphylaxis current national and international guidelines should be followed including provocation tests to avoid future reactions.