Phenotypes and Natural Evolution of Drug Hypersensitivity

AbstractsPurpose of reviewDrug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are adverse effects that clinically resemble allergy. They belong to type B adverse drug reactions, which are dose-independent and unpredictable. Misclassification of DHR may lead to under and/or overdiagnosis, which affects the management of patients, leading to higher risk of suffering an allergic reaction or the use of alternative more-expensive and potentially less-effective drugs. A precise phenotype of DHR is required for a better evaluation and proper management of patients experiencing DHR. The purpose of this review is to summarise the different phenotypes of DHR basing on different criterions.Recent findingsThe phenotyping of DHRs is challenging as clinical presentations are heterogeneous, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood and terminology varies among different studies. Moreover, natural evolution may be different depending on the phenotype.SummaryThis review summarises the complexity of DHR phenotyping, which can be based on different criterions as chronology, mechanism and clinical symptoms as well as natural evolution. A precise phenotyping of DHR is needed to determine the adequate evaluation and management of patients.
Source: Current Treatment Options in Allergy - Category: Allergy & Immunology Source Type: research