Improvements in an oral aspirin challenge protocol for the diagnosis of aspirin hypersensitivity

Clin Exp Allergy. 2005 Jun;35(6):717-22. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2005.02261.x.

Abstract

Oral aspirin challenge (OAC) is used to confirm aspirin hypersensitivity (AHs) but there is no consensus on a standardized protocol. As a prior clinical history of adverse reactions to aspirin is poorly predictive of a positive result from formal aspirin challenge, many patients have an OAC performed. We retrospectively identified and prospectively validated how a 1-day OAC protocol could be modified, and patient selection improved, to deliver a safe and more efficient service. In a retrospective audit of 45 OACs using a 2 h dose interval, all reactions occurred within 90 min of the threshold dose. Forty OACs were then performed using a 90-min dose interval. This reduced the mean duration of a positive and negative OAC from 6 to 5 h and from 8 to 6 h, respectively. Histories of multiple manifestations of AHs were found in 91.6% (11) of those with asthma, 87.5% (7) with angiooedema, 70.6% (12) with rhinosinusitis, 63.6% (7) with chronic non-vasculitic urticaria and all with anaphylaxis, who developed a positive OAC. None of those with anaphylaxis, 8.3% (1) with asthma and 12.5% (1) with angiooedema, with a positive OAC, had a history of a single manifestation of AHs. The efficiency of an OAC service can safely be improved by reduction of the dose interval from 2 to 1 (1/2) h, and more targeted patient selection, as the likelihood of a positive OAC increases among patients with a history of asthma, angiooedoema or anaphylaxis with multiple manifestations of AHs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Anaphylaxis / diagnosis
  • Angioedema / diagnosis
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage*
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
  • Aspirin / administration & dosage*
  • Aspirin / adverse effects
  • Asthma / diagnosis
  • Bronchial Spasm / chemically induced
  • Chronic Disease
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Immediate / diagnosis*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Rhinitis / diagnosis
  • Urticaria / diagnosis

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Aspirin