Publications by authors named "Theodore M Freeman"

Purpose Of Review: The objective of this article is to review the available literature regarding the risks associated with sublingual immunotherapy and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or β-blocker use. It also evaluates for any differences in these risks among the available sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) tablets.

Recent Findings: A literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify peer-reviewed articles using the following keywords: anaphylaxis, ACE inhibitor, β-blocker, and sublingual immunotherapy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

There is some evidence to support the use of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in food allergy, although its role is unclear. One randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial supports the safe and efficacious use of dust mite SLIT in children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, but these data have not been confirmed. Although there are several randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials to support the use of SLIT-LATEX, this product is not available in the United States and extrapolation of these effects to latex extracts is unsubstantiated.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The objective of this article is to review the available studies regarding angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers and their effect on patients at risk for anaphylaxis. A literature search was conducted in PUBMED to identify peer-reviewed articles using the following keywords: anaphylaxis, ACE inhibitor, beta-blocker, food allergy, radiocontrast media, venom allergy, skin testing, and immunotherapy. Some studies show an increased risk of anaphylaxis in patients who are taking ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, whereas others studies do not show an increased risk.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Rapid changes in modern medicine along with advances in the science of learning and memory have necessitated a shift in the way physician knowledge is assessed. Physician recertification beyond initial certification has historically consisted of retaining large amounts of knowledge over a long time span. The adult learning theory has shown that the maintenance and improvement of our knowledge base is more effective by being exposed to new concepts at regular intervals throughout one's career and reinforcing these concepts on an ongoing basis.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The common striped scorpion, Centruroides vittatus, and the imported fire ant (IFA) are endemic to the south-central United States. There is evidence of venom-specific IgE in patients experiencing hypersensitivity reactions to scorpion stings. The infrequency of repeated scorpion stings and the presence of immediate reactions to an initial sting suggest prior sensitization.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

For more than 20 years venom immunotherapy has been the preferred treatment for Hymenoptera allergy and venom skin testing the preferred diagnostic test. Most allergists consider venom skin tests to be highly accurate and interpret a negative venom skin test result to indicate the absence of insect allergy. Furthermore, current practice guidelines do not adequately address the question of how best to manage the patient with a convincing history of insect allergy but negative skin test results.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Concerns for sensitization after penicillin skin testing are a factor in limiting the timing and population for whom this testing is offered. The sensitizing potential of the penicillin skin test has never been studied directly.

Methods: A total of 329 volunteers underwent prick and intradermal skin testing with penicillin G, benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine, and a minor determinant mixture.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Hypersensitivity to the sting of the imported fire ant (IFA) is a growing and significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Conventional immunotherapy with IFA whole body extract (WBE) has been shown to be effective; however, rush immunotherapy (RIT) with IFA WBE has not been studied.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of RIT with IFA WBE and sought to determine whether prophylactic pretreatment with antihistamines and steroids reduces the systemic reaction rate associated with RIT.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF