J Invest Allerg Clin
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J Invest Allerg Clin · Jan 2004
Comparative StudyUse of CD63 expression as marker of in vitro basophil activation in identifying the culprit in insect venom allergy.
The diagnosis of insect venom allergy and the indication for specific immunotherapy is based on history, skin tests and demonstration of hymenoptera venom specific IgE-antibodies. In cases with contradictory test results additional cellular tests are recommended. ⋯ In difficult cases of hymenoptera allergy, where history, skin tests and determination of specific antibodies do not allow a clear decision regarding the relevant insect species for immunotherapy, the additional performance of cellular tests (CAST and BAT) may be helpful.
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J Invest Allerg Clin · Jan 2004
Multicenter Study Clinical TrialEvaluation of the nocebo effect during oral challenge in patients with adverse drug reactions.
The nocebo effect is the onset of untoward reactions following the administration of an indifferent substance. The oral challenge with alternative drugs plays a central role in the management of drug allergy and the use of inert substances is part of this procedure. We evaluated the occurrence and clinical characteristics of nocebo effect in patients with adverse drug reactions. ⋯ The occurrence was significantly higher in women than in men. Our data, collected in a large population, confirm that the nocebo effect occurs frequently in clinical practice. In managing adverse drug reactions through oral challenge the nocebo effect is mandatory to recognize false positive responses.