Comorbid asthma in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: did dupilumab make a difference?

Background: The clinical heterogeneity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and bronchial asthma is attributable to different underlying inflammatory profiles. However, the similarity between CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and type-2 asthma pathophysiology speculates that one biological therapy could affect both comorbidities. Despite dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-4α and IL-13 receptors, being used in patients with nasal polyps and severe asthma, real-life data about its efficacy in improving the quality of life and patient symptoms is still lacking.

Nationwide study of rates of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2 among adults in Kuwait.

Background: Data are scarce on differences in the rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) reinfection after the first infection.

Aims: We examined nationwide data on SARS-CoV-2 reinfection in Kuwait according to four-time windows to reinfection: 29-45 days, 46-60 days, 61-90 days, and ≥ 91 days.

Methods: This was a population-level retrospective cohort study conducted between 31 March 2020 and 31 March 2021.

Lupus anticoagulant activity and thrombosis post COVID-19 vaccination.

Some reports have discussed the development of a new entity called vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia after COVID-19 vaccination. In this case series, we are describing four patients who have developed lupus anticoagulant-associated venous thromboembolism after Pfizer mRNA COVID-19 vaccination. All were COVID-19 negative on admission.

Isolated thrombosis after COVID-19 vaccination: case series.

Background: Data regarding thrombosis after COVID-19 vaccination are scarce.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from all patients who developed thrombosis within 4 weeks of receiving the Pfizer or Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine. None had a COVID-19-positive swab.

Peanut Component Ara h 1 and 2 Sensitization in Patients with Food Allergy in Kuwait.

Introduction: There is limited knowledge on the sensitization patterns to peanut proteins and food allergy in the Middle East. The objective of this study is to analyze the relationship between sensitization patterns to peanut proteins and clinical symptoms in a group of patients with physician-diagnosed peanut allergy (PA) in Kuwait.

Methods: PA patients were evaluated by the skin prick test (SPT), serum total IgE, peanut-specific IgE (sIgE), and sIgE against Ara h 1-3, 8, and 9, and clinical data were collected.

Drug Allergy Profile From a National Drug Allergy Registry.

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are among the most frequent reasons for consultation in allergy departments and are becoming more common due to increasing prevalence and case complexity. To describe the most common drugs associated with clinical reactions, diagnostic methods used, and outcomes of allergic evaluations of a national drug allergy registry over a 12-year period were used. An observational, prospective, patient's data registry-based study was conducted to analyze all referrals to the drug allergy outpatient clinics at Al-Rashed Allergy Center, Kuwait, between 2007 and 2019.

"Real-life" Efficacy and Safety Aspects of 4-Year Omalizumab Treatment for Asthma.

Objective: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of omalizumab in asthma in a real-life setting.

Subjects And Methods: This 4-year observational study included 65 patients treated with omalizumab during clinic visits; treatment response was rated as excellent, good, and partial based on a modified physician's Global Evaluation of Treatment Effectiveness (mGETE) scale of emergency room visits (ERV), hospitalization, use of oral corticosteroids, inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)/long-acting β-agonist (LABA) dose, and short-acting β-agonist rescue. The following tests were done: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and the asthma control test (ACT).

Establishing a Safe Administration of ASA in Cardiovascular Patients with Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug Hypersensitivity with Skin and/or Respiratory Involvement.

Background: A history of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) hypersensitivity with cross-intolerance to several drugs is common in some patients with coronary artery disease. We present a series of patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing ASA desensitization prior to a possible stent to evaluate the short- and long-term efficacy and safety. The aim was to evaluate the outcomes of an ASA desensitization protocol developed by our center based on the guidelines proposed by the EAACI drug allergy expert recommendations.

Successful desensitization to radiocontrast media in two high-risk cardiac patients.

Unlabelled: Hypersensitivity reactions to radiocontrast media (RCM) are common and in severe cases may present a challenge for treating physician in cases when premedication fails or the patient presents with severe comorbidities. We describe two cases in need of radiocontrast media after a severe reaction on previous exposure to iohexol. One presented anaphylactic reaction to RCM despite premedication and another presented with angina.

Drug allergy evaluation for betalactam hypersensitivity: Cross-reactivity with cephalosporines, carbapenems and negative predictive value.

Background: There are no studies on cross-reactivity of betalactams among patients allergic to penicillin, or on the negative predictive value (NPV) of penicillin allergy evaluation from Arabian Gulf countries.

Objective: We aimed to assess the role and NPV of drug provocation test (DPT) for betalactam hypersensitivity reactions in patients referred for allergy evaluation in Kuwait.

Methods: Skin test (ST) was performed for all patients with a history of betalactam hypersensitivity, other than anaphylaxis.

Penicillin allergy evaluation: experience from a drug allergy clinic in an Arabian Gulf Country, Kuwait.

Background: Hypersensitivity to penicillin has been studied worldwide, but data regarding patterns of sensitization in Arabian Gulf countries are scarce.

Objective: To describe the patterns of penicillin hypersensitivity during a 6-year study in Kuwait in terms of demographics, type of the culprit drug, in vivo and in vitro allergy testing.

Methods: One hundred and twenty-four patients referred to the drug allergy clinic for penicillin allergy were fully evaluated by skin prick and intradermal testing.

Hypersensitivity reactions to mAbs: 105 desensitizations in 23 patients, from evaluation to treatment.

Background: Rapid desensitization, a procedure for graded drug administration, allows for the safe readministration of a medication after certain types of hypersensitivity reactions (HSRs) and is indicated in cases in which there are no reasonable therapeutic alternatives. The use of rapid desensitization for HSRs to mAbs has not been validated.

Objective: We sought to describe our experience with rapid desensitization to mAbs, including rituximab, infliximab, and trastuzumab.

A safe protocol for rapid desensitization in patients with cystic fibrosis and antibiotic hypersensitivity.

Background: CF patients often demonstrate hypersensitivity to one or multiple antibiotics due to frequent and repeated exposures. Attempts at antibiotic desensitization in this population are historically complicated by higher reaction rates, failure to complete the procedure and consequent withholding of first-line therapy. This study evaluates the outcomes of a rapid desensitization protocol developed at our institution.