Clinical profile and treatment outcomes in patients with hereditary angioedema with normal C1 esterase inhibitor.

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is often caused by low serum levels or functional deficiency in C1 inhibitor (C1-INH); however, in some cases, C1-INH serum level and function are measured as normal (HAE-nl-C1INH). Management of HAE-nl-C1INH is similar to management of HAE with C1-INH deficiency, including on-demand therapy for angioedema attacks and, potentially, prophylaxis. Recombinant human C1 esterase inhibitor (rhC1-INH) is indicated for treatment of acute HAE attacks.

A case of successful acyclovir desensitization in a bone marrow transplant patient.

Introduction: The incidence of acyclovir-induced hypersensitivity is rare. To our knowledge, there are four published case reports of oral acyclovir desensitization in adults. Evidence-based guidelines prompt the use of acyclovir for herpes simplex virus (HSV) prophylaxis and treatment.

Skin prick/puncture testing in North America: a call for standards and consistency.

Background: Skin prick/puncture testing (SPT) is widely accepted as a safe, dependable, convenient, and cost-effective procedure to detect allergen-specific IgE sensitivity. It is, however, prone to influence by a variety of factors that may significantly alter test outcomes, affect the accuracy of diagnosis, and the effectiveness of subsequent immunotherapy regimens. Proficiency in SPT administration is a key variable that can be routinely measured and documented to improve the predictive value of allergy skin testing.