Hypersensitivity reactions to medications

Adverse drug reactions are common. Of these, hypersensitivity reactions occur in 1–15% of hospitalized patients. The clinical course is varied, ranging from mild to life-threatening reactions. Choosing a replacement medication can be difficult due to possible cross-reactivity or multiple drug reactions. Patients misdiagnosed with drug hypersensitivity reactions are unnecessarily treated with replacement medications that may not be the most effective. This book provides an overview of the epidemiology, immunopathology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic procedures, and treatment, including induction of temporary drug tolerance (so-called desensitization) in indicated patients. The most common drug groups are discussed in a special section, in which hypersensitivity reactions occur (antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including acetylsalicylic acid, local anesthetics, low molecular weight heparins, biological treatment, cytostatics and perioperative medication). Among the examination substances, attention is paid to contrast agents. The specifics of hypersensitivity reactions in childhood, pregnancy, autoimmune and cancer diseases are also discussed. The result of the allergological and immunological examination is the issuance of an allergy certificate with a clear indication of prohibited drugs and alternative medication.
The book is intended for a wide range of doctors (general practitioners, specialists) and has the character of postgraduate education. For specialists in the field of allergology and clinical immunology, the book provides detailed instructions for diagnosis and treatment, including desensitization protocols for individual drug groups.