Anaphylaxis due to macrogol in a laxative solution with a positive basophil activation test

Polyethylene glycol (otherwise known as macrogol or PEG) belongs to a family of synthetic nonionic hydrophilic polymers achieved as condensation products of glycols with ethylene oxide. Different types of macrogol exist, each with a specific molecular weight (from 200 to 20,000 g/mol) and length, which gives them specific pharmacological qualities (e.g., viscosity, density). As a consequence, PEG has wide applications as an excipient, solvent, dispersing and thickening agent in the food, cosmetic, medical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Tags: Letters Source Type: research