Guideline
ARIA guideline 2019: treatment of allergic rhinitis in the German health system
L. Klimek, C. Bachert, O. Pfaar, S. Becker, T. Bieber, R. Brehler, R. Buhl, I. Casper, A. Chaker, W. Czech, J. Fischer, T. Fuchs, M. Gerstlauer, K. Hörmann, T. Jakob, K. Jung, M.V. Kopp, V. Mahler, H. Merk, N. Mülleneisen, K. Nemat, U. Rabe, J. Ring, J. Saloga, W. Schlenter, C. Schmidt-Weber, H. Seyfarth, A. Sperl, T. Spindler, P. Staubach, S. Strieth, R. Treudler, C. Vogelberg, A. Wallrafen, W. Wehrmann, H. Wrede, T. Zuberbier, A. Bedbrook, G.W. Canonica, V. Cardona, T.B. Casale, W. Czarlewski, W.J. Fokkens, E. Hamelmann, P.W. Hellings, M. Jutel, D. Larenas-Linnemann, J. Mullol, N.G. Papadopoulos, S. Toppila- Salmi, T. Werfel and J. Bousquet
Volume 3 (2019) p. 22 - 50
Abstract
Allergologie select, Volume 3/2019 (22-50)
ARIA guideline 2019: treatment of allergic rhinitis in the German health system
Ludger Klimek1, Claus Bachert2, Oliver Pfaar3, Sven Becker4, Thomas Bieber5, Randolf Brehler6, Roland Buhl7, Ingrid Casper1, Adam Chaker8, Wolfgang Czech9, Jörg Fischer10, Thomas Fuchs11, Michael Gerstlauer12, Karl Hörmann13, Thilo Jakob14, Kirsten Jung15, Matthias V. Kopp16, Vera Mahler17, Hans Merk18, Norbert Mülleneisen19, Katja Nemat20, Uta Rabe21, Johannes Ring22, Joachim Saloga23, Wolfgang Schlenter24, Carsten Schmidt-Weber25, Holger Seyfarth26, Annette Sperl1, Thomas Spindler27, Petra Staubach23, Sebastian Strieth28, Regina Treudler29, Christian Vogelberg30, Andrea Wallrafen31, Wolfgang Wehrmann32, Holger Wrede33, Torsten Zuberbier34, Anna Bedbrook35, Giorgio W. Canonica36, Victoria Cardona37, Thomas B. Casale38, Wienczylawa Czarlewski39, Wytske J. Fokkens40, Eckard Hamelmann41, Marek Jutel42, Désirée Larenas-Linnemann43, Joaquim Mullol44, Nikolaos G. Papadopoulos45, Sanna Toppila-Salmi46, Thomas Werfel47, and Jean Bousquet34#35#48#49
1Center of Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, Germany, 2Upper Airways Research Laboratory and Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, Ghent University and Ghent, University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium, Division of ENT Diseases, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institute, University of Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden, 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck, Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University, Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg,Marburg, Germany, 4Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, 5Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany, Christine Kühne-Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-CARE) Davos-Augsburg-Bonn-St Gallen-Zürich, St. Gallen, Switzerland, 6Department of Allergy, Occupational Dermatology and Environmental Medicine, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Germany, 7Pulmonary Department,Mainz University Hospital,Mainz, Germany, 8Department of Otolaryngology and Center for Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany, 9Department of Dermatology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany, 10Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany, 11Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, University Medical Center, Georg August University, Göttingen, Germany, 12Pediatric Pneumology and Allergology Unit, Medical University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany, 13Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Mannheim University Hospital, Mannheim, Germany, 14Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Gießen and Marburg, Campus Gießen, Justus-Liebig-University, Gießen, Germany, 15Group Practice for Dermatology, Erfurt, Germany, 16Clinic of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Member of the German Lung Center (DZL), Lübeck University, Lübeck, Germany, 17Medical Faculty, Friedrich- Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, 18Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany, 19Asthma and Allergy Centre, Leverkusen, Germany, 20Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany, 21Department of Allergology, Johanniter-Krankenhaus im Fläming Treuenbrietzen GmbH, Treuenbrietzen, Germany, 22Department and Outpatient Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology am Biederstein, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany and Christine Kühne Center for Allergy Research and Education (CK-Care), Davos, Switzerland, 23Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mainz,Mainz, Germany, 24Former Head ENT - Department, Katharina- Kasper-Kliniken, Marienkrankenhaus, c/o University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany, 25Center for Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Member of the German Center of Lung Research (DZL) and the Inflammation and Immunology Helmholtz Initiative, Technical University of Munich and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany, 26Pharmacy Association in Hesse, Offenbach, Germany, 27Allergy Campus Davos, Hochgebirgsklinik Davos dpt. Pediatrics, Davos, Switzerland, 28Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany, 29Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, LICA – Leipzig Comprehensive Allergy Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, 30Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany, 31German Allergy and Asthma Association, Mönchengladbach, Germany, 32Dermatology Group Practice,Münster, Germany, 33Herford, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, 34Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergie-Centrum – Charité, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Berlin, Germany, 35MACVIA-France, Montpellier, France, 36Allergy Section, Allergy and Respiratory Diseases, DIMI, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy, 37Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Barcelona, Spain, 38Division of Allergy and Immunology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA, 39Medical Consulting Czarlewski, Levallois, France, 40Department Otorhinolaryngologie, Academic Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 41Children’s Center, Protestant Hospital Bethel, University Bielefeld, Bielefeld Germany, 42Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland and ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wroclaw, Poland, 43HospitalMédica Sur, México City, Mexico, 44Unitat de Rinologia i Clínica de l’Olfacte, Servei d’ORL, Hospital Clínic, Clinical and Experimental Respiratory Immunoallergy, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, 45Department of Allergy, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece, 46Haartman Institute, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, 47Division of Immunodermatology and Allergy Research, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany, 48University Hospital, Montpellier, 49 INSERM, Unit 1168, Paris, France
Background: The number of patients affected by allergies is increasing worldwide. The resulting allergic diseases are leading to significant costs for health care and social systems. Integrated care pathways are needed to enable comprehensive care within the national health systems. The ARIA (Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma) initiative develops internationally applicable guidelines for allergic respiratory diseases.
Methods: ARIA serves to improve the care of patients with allergies and chronic respiratory diseases. In collaboration with other international initiatives, national associations and patient organizations in the field of allergies and respiratory diseases, real-life integrated care pathways have been developed for a digitally assisted, integrative, individualized treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) with comorbid asthma. In the present work, these integrated care pathways have been adapted to the German situation and health system.
Results: The present ICP (integrated care pathway) guideline covers key areas of the care of AR patients with and without asthma. It includes the views of patients and other healthcare providers.
Discussion: A comprehensive ICP guideline can reflect real-life care better than traditional guideline models.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. Jean Bousquet
Centre Hospitalier
Régional Universitaire´de Montpellier (CHU)
371 Avenue du Doyen Gaston Giraud
34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France
Email: [email protected]
Original
Guideline on diagnostic procedures for suspected hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics
Gerda Wurpts, Werner Aberer, Heinrich Dickel, Randolf Brehler, Thilo Jakob, Burkhard Kreft, Vera Mahler, Hans F. Merk, Norbert Mülleneisen, Hagen Ott, Wolfgang Pfützner, Stefani Röseler, Franziska Ruëff, Helmut Sitter, Cord Sunderkötter, Axel Trautmann, Regina Treudler, Bettina Wedi, Margitta Worm, und Knut Brockow
Volume 4 (2020) p. 11 - 43
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 4/2020 (11-43)
Guideline on diagnostic procedures for suspected hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics
Gerda Wurpts1, Werner Aberer2, Heinrich Dickel3, Randolf Brehler4, Thilo Jakob5, Burkhard Kreft6, Vera Mahler7,8, Hans F. Merk1, Norbert Mülleneisen9, Hagen Ott10, Wolfgang Pfützner11, Stefani Röseler1, Franziska Ruëff12, Helmut Sitter13, Cord Sunderkötter6, Axel Trautmann14, Regina Treudler15, Bettina Wedi16, Margitta Worm17, und Knut Brockow18
1Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Aachen Comprehensive Allergy Center (ACAC), Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Germany 2Department of Dermatology, Graz Medical University, Graz, Austria, 3Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, St. Josef Hospital, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 4Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, 5Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Gießen und Marburg, Gießen Site, Gießen, 6Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University, Hospital Halle (Saale), Halle (Saale), 7Paul-Ehrlich Institute, Langen, 8Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, 9Asthma and Allergy Centre, Leverkusen, 10Division of Pediatric Dermatology and Allergology, Auf der Bult Children’s Hospital, Hannover, 11Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Gießen und Marburg, Marburg Site, Marburg, 12Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, 13Institute of Surgical Research, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, 14Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Allergy Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 15Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology and Leipzig Interdisciplinary Center for Allergology – LICA-CAC, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, 16Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 17Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Allergy Center Charité (ACC), Berlin, and 18Department of Dermatology and Allergology am Biederstein, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
This guideline on diagnostic procedures for suspected beta-lactam antibiotic (BLA) hypersensitivity was written by the German and Austrian professional associations for allergology, and the Paul-Ehrlich Society for Chemotherapy in a consensus procedure according to the criteria of the German Association of Scientific Medical Societies. BLA such as penicillins and cephalosporins represent the drug group that most frequently triggers drug allergies. However, the frequency of reports of suspected allergy in patient histories clearly exceeds the number of confirmed cases. The large number of suspected BLA allergies has a significant impact on, e.g., the quality of treatment received by the individual patient and the costs to society as a whole. Allergies to BLA are based on different immunological mechanisms and often manifest as maculopapular exanthema, as well as anaphylaxis; and there are also a number of less frequent special clinical manifestations of drug allergic reactions. All BLA have a beta-lactam ring. BLA are categorized into different classes: penicillins, cephalosporins, carbapenems, monobactams, and beta-lactamase inhibitors with different chemical structures. Knowledge of possible cross-reactivity is of considerable clinical significance. Whereas allergy to the common beta-lactam ring occurs in only a small percentage of all BLA allergic patients, cross-reactivity due to side chain similarities, such as aminopenicillins and aminocephalosporins, and even methoxyimino cephalosporins, are more common. However, the overall picture is complex and its elucidation may require further research. Diagnostic procedures used in BLA allergy are usually made up of four components: patient history, laboratory diagnostics, skin testing (which is particularly important), and drug provocation testing. The diagnostic approach – even in cases where the need to administer a BLA is acute – is guided by patient history and risk – benefit ratio in the individual case. Here again, further studies are required to extend the present state of knowledge. Performing allergy testing for suspected BLA hypersensitivity is urgently recommended not only in the interests of providing the patient with good medical care, but also due to the immense impact of putative BLA allergies on society as a whole.Correspondence to:
Dr. med. Gerda Wurpts, Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Aachen Comprehensive Allergy Center (ACAC), Uniklinik RWTH Aachen, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
Email: [email protected]
Position Paper
Allergen immunotherapy in the current COVID-19 pandemic: A position paper of AeDA, ARIA, EAACI, DGAKI and GPA
Ludger Klimek, Oliver Pfaar, Margitta Worm, Karl-Christian Bergmann, Thomas Bieber, Roland Buhl, Jeroen Buters, Ulf Darsow, Thomas Keil, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe, Susanne Lau, Marcus Maurer, Hans Merk, Ralph Mösges, Joachim Saloga, Petra Staubach, Petra Stute, Klaus Rabe, Uta Rabe, Claus Vogelmeier, Tilo Biedermann, Kirsten Jung, Wolfgang Schlenter, Johannes Ring, Adam Chaker, Wolfgang Wehrmann, Sven Becker, Norbert Mülleneisen, Katja Nemat, Wofgang Czech, Holger Wrede, Randolf Brehler, Thomas Fuchs, Peter-Valentin Tomazic, Werner Aberer, Antje Fink-Wagner, Friedrich Horak, Stefan Wöhrl, Verena Niederberger-Leppin, Isabella Pali-Schöll, Wolfgang Pohl, Regina Roller-Wirnsberger, Otto Spranger, Rudolf Valenta, Mübecell Akdis, Cezmi Akdis, Karin Hoffmann-Sommergruber, Marek Jutel, Paolo Matricardi, FranÇois Spertini, Nikolai Khaltaev, Jean-Pierre Michel, Laurent Nicod, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, Eckard Hamelmann, Thilo Jakob, Thomas Werfel, Martin Wagenmann, Christian Taube, Michael Gerstlauer, Christian Vogelberg, Jean Bousquet, and Torsten Zuberbier
Volume 4 (2020) p. 44 - 52
Abstract
Allergologie select, Volume 4/2020 (44-52)
Allergen immunotherapy in the current COVID-19 pandemic: A position paper of AeDA, ARIA, EAACI, DGAKI and GPA
Ludger Klimek1, Oliver Pfaar2, Margitta Worm3, Karl-Christian Bergmann3, Thomas Bieber4, Roland Buhl5, Jeroen Buters6, Ulf Darsow7, Thomas Keil8, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe9, Susanne Lau10, Marcus Maurer69, Hans Merk11, Ralph Mösges12,13,14, Joachim Saloga15, Petra Staubach15, Petra Stute16, Klaus Rabe17, Uta Rabe18, Claus Vogelmeier19, Tilo Biedermann7,20, Kirsten Jung21, Wolfgang Schlenter22, Johannes Ring23,24, Adam Chaker25,26, Wolfgang Wehrmann27, Sven Becker28, Norbert Mülleneisen29, Katja Nemat30,31, Wofgang Czech32, Holger Wrede33, Randolf Brehler34, Thomas Fuchs35, Peter-Valentin Tomazic36, Werner Aberer37, Antje Fink-Wagner38, Friedrich Horak39, Stefan Wöhrl40, Verena Niederberger-Leppin41, Isabella Pali-Schöll42,43, Wolfgang Pohl44, Regina Roller-Wirnsberger45, Otto Spranger38, Rudolf Valenta46, Mübecell Akdis47, Cezmi Akdis47, Karin Hoffmann-Sommergruber43, Marek Jutel48, Paolo Matricardi49, FranÇois Spertini50, Nikolai Khaltaev51, Jean-Pierre Michel52, Laurent Nicod53,54, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier55, Eckard Hamelmann56, Thilo Jakob57, Thomas Werfel58, Martin Wagenmann59, Christian Taube60, Michael Gerstlauer67, Christian Vogelberg68, Jean Bousquet61,62,63,64,65,66, and Torsten Zuberbier3
1Zentrum für Rhinologie und Allergologie, Wiesbaden, 2Sektion Rhinologie und Allergologie, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen-und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 3Comprehensive Allergy Centre Charité, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 4Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, 5III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik Hämatologie, Internistische Onkologie und Pneumologie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, 6Zentrum Allergie und Umwelt (ZAUM) Technische Universität und Helmholtz Zentrum München, 7Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie der Technischen Universität München, 8Institut für klinische Epidemiologie und Biometrie, Julius-Maximilian-Universität, Würzburg, 9Allergie- und Asthma-Zentrum Westend, Berlin, 10Klinik für Pädiatrie m.S. Pneumologie, Immunologie und Intensivmedizin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 11Abteilung Dermatologie & Allergologie, RWTH Aachen Universität, 12Medizinische Fakultät der Universität zu Köln, 13CRI – Clinical Research International Ltd., Hamburg, 14ClinCompetence Cologne GmbH, Köln, 15Hautklinik, Universitätsmedizin, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz, 16Europäische Vereinigung für Vitalität und Aktives Altern, Leipzig, 17Abteilung für Pneumologie, LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, 18Klinik für Allergologie, Johanniter-Krankenhaus im Fläming Treuenbrietzen GmbH, Treuenbrietzen, 19Klinik für Innere Medizin Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 20Einheit für Klinische Allergologie (EKA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, 21Praxis für Dermatologie, Immunologie und Allergologie, Erfurt, 22Ärzteverband Deutscher Allergologen, Dreieich, 23Haut- und Laserzentrum an der Oper, München, 24Academia: München, 25HNO-Klinik des Klinikums rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 26Zentrum Allergie und Umwelt München (ZAUM); Helmholtz Zentrum München, 27Praxis für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Münster, 28Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universität Tübingen, 29Asthma und Allergiezentrum Leverkusen, 30Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, 31Praxis für Kinderpenumologie/Allergologie am Kinderzentrum Dresden (Kid), Dresden, 32Klinik für Dermatologie, Universität Freiburg, 33Hals-, Nasenund Ohrenarzt, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 34Klinik für Allergologie, Berufsdermatologie und Umweltmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Münster, 35Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, 36Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine HNO, Medizinische Universität Graz, Österreich, 37Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Österreich, 38Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform GAAPP, Wien, Österreich, 39Praxis für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Wien, Österreich, 40Floridsdorfer Allergiezentrum, Wien, Österreich, 41Universitätsklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich, 42Institut für Komparative Medizin, Interdisziplinäres Messerli Forschungsinstitut, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien und Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich, 43Institut für Pathophysiologie und Allergieforschung, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich, 44Abteilung für Atmungs- und Lungenkrankheiten, Krankenhaus Hietzing, Wien, Österreich, 45Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Österreich, 46Institut für Pathophysiologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Österreich, 47Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Schweiz, 48Department of Clinical Immunology, Medizinische Universität Breslau, Polen, 49Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 50Division of Allergy and Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Schweiz, 51GARD Chairman, Genf, Schweiz, 52Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University of Geneva, Genf, Schweiz, 53Clinique Cecil, Hirslanden Gruppe, Lausanne, Schweiz, 54Abteilung Pneumologie, Centre hospitalier universitaire vaudois, Lausanne, Schweiz, 55Allergiestation, Dermatologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich, Schweiz, 56Kinderzentrum Bethel, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Universitätsmedizin OWL der Universität Bielefeld, 57Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen, UKGM, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, 58Klinik fürDermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 59HNO-Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, 60Klinik für Pneumologie, Ruhrlandklinik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, 61MACVIA-France, Fondation partenariale FMC VIA-LR, Montpellier, Frankreich, 62INSERM U 1168, VIMA: Ageing and Chronic Diseases Epidemiological and Public Health Approaches, Villejuif, 63Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, Montigny le Bretonneux, Frankreich, 64Euforea, Brussels, Belgien, 65Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 66Berlin Institute of Health, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Berlin, 67Abteilung für Kinderpneumologie und Allergologie, Medizinische Universität Augsburg, 68Klinik für Kinderpneumologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 69Dermatologische Allergologie, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. Ludger Klimek, Zentrum für Rhinologie und Allergologie, An den Quellen 10, 65183 Wiesbaden
Email: [email protected]
Position Paper
Use of biologicals in allergic and type-2 inflammatory diseases during the current COVID-19 pandemic
Ludger Klimek, Oliver Pfaar, Margitta Worm, Thomas Eiwegger, Jan Hagemann, Markus Ollert, Eva Untersmayr, Karin Hoffmann-Sommergruber, Alessandra Vultaggio, Ioana Agache, Sevim Bavbek, Apostolos Bossios, Ingrid Casper, Susan Chan, Alexia Chatzipetrou, Christian Vogelberg, Davide Firinu, Paula Kauppi, Antonios Kolios, Akash Kothari, Andrea Matucci, Oscar Palomares, Zsolt Szépfalusi, Wolfgang Pohl, Wolfram Hötzenecker, Alexander R. Rosenkranz, Karl-Christian Bergmann, Thomas Bieber, Roland Buhl, Jeroen Buters, Ulf Darsow, Thomas Keil, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe, Susanne Lau, Marcus Maurer, Hans Merk, Ralph Mösges, Joachim Saloga, Petra Staubach, Uta Jappe, Klaus F. Rabe, Uta Rabe, Claus Vogelmeier, Tilo Biedermann, Kirsten Jung, Wolfgang Schlenter, Johannes Ring, Adam Chaker, Wolfgang Wehrmann, Sven Becker, Laura Freudelsperger, Norbert Mülleneisen, Katja Nemat, Wolfgang Czech, Holger Wrede, Randolf Brehler, Thomas Fuchs, Peter-Valentin Tomazic, Werner Aberer, Antje-Henriette Fink-Wagner, Fritz Horak, Stefan Wöhrl, Verena Niederberger-Leppin, Isabella Pali-Schöll, Wolfgang Pohl, Regina Roller-Wirnsberger, Otto Spranger, Rudolf Valenta, Mübecell Akdis, Paolo M. Matricardi, François Spertini, Nicolai Khaltaev, Jean-Pierre Michel, Larent Nicod, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, Marco Idzko, Eckard Hamelmann, Thilo Jakob, Thomas Werfel, Martin Wagenmann, Christian Taube, Erika Jensen-Jarolim, Stephanie Korn, Francois Hentges, Jürgen Schwarze, Liam O´Mahony, Edward F. Knol, Stefano del Giacco, Tomás Chivato Pérez, Jean Bousquet, Anna Bedbrook, Torsten Zuberbier, Cezmi Akdis, and Marek Jutel
Volume 4 (2020) p. 53 - 68
Abstract
Allergologie select, Volume 4/2020 (53-68)
Use of biologicals in allergic and type-2 inflammatory diseases during the current COVID-19 pandemic
Ludger Klimek1, Oliver Pfaar2, Margitta Worm3, Thomas Eiwegger4,5,6, Jan Hagemann7, Markus Ollert8,9, Eva Untersmayr10, Karin Hoffmann-Sommergruber10, Alessandra Vultaggio11, Ioana Agache12, Sevim Bavbek13, Apostolos Bossios14,15, Ingrid Casper1,16,17, Susan Chan18, Alexia Chatzipetrou19, Christian Vogelberg20, Davide Firinu21, Paula Kauppi22, Antonios Kolios16,23, Akash Kothari4, Andrea Matucci11, Oscar Palomares24, Zsolt Szépfalusi25, Wolfgang Pohl26, Wolfram Hötzenecker27, Alexander R. Rosenkranz28, Karl-Christian Bergmann3, Thomas Bieber29, Roland Buhl30, Jeroen Buters31, Ulf Darsow32, Thomas Keil33, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe34, Susanne Lau35, Marcus Maurer98, Hans Merk36, Ralph Mösges37,38,39, Joachim Saloga40, Petra Staubach40, Uta Jappe41, Klaus F. Rabe42, Uta Rabe42, Claus Vogelmeier44, Tilo Biedermann32,45, Kirsten Jung46, Wolfgang Schlenter47, Johannes Ring48,49, Adam Chaker50,51, Wolfgang Wehrmann52, Sven Becker53, Laura Freudelsperger7, Norbert Mülleneisen54, Katja Nemat55, Wolfgang Czech56, Holger Wrede57, Randolf Brehler58, Thomas Fuchs59, Peter-Valentin Tomazic60, Werner Aberer61, Antje-Henriette Fink-Wagner62, Fritz Horak63, Stefan Wöhrl64, Verena Niederberger-Leppin65, Isabella Pali-Schöll10,66,67, Wolfgang Pohl68, Regina Roller-Wirnsberger69, Otto Spranger70, Rudolf Valenta71,94,95,96, Mübecell Akdis72, Paolo M. Matricardi73, François Spertini74, Nicolai Khaltaev75, Jean-Pierre Michel76, Larent Nicod77, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier78, Marco Idzko79, Eckard Hamelmann80, Thilo Jakob81, Thomas Werfel82, Martin Wagenmann83, Christian Taube84, Erika Jensen-Jarolim10,66, Stephanie Korn30, Francois Hentges85, Jürgen Schwarze86, Liam O´Mahony87, Edward F. Knol88, Stefano del Giacco89, Tomás Chivato Pérez90, Jean Bousquet91,92,93,94,95, Anna Bedbrook91, Torsten Zuberbier3, Cezmi Akdis72, and Marek Jutel96,97
1Zentrum für Rhinologie und Allergologie, Wiesbaden, 2HNO-Universitätsklinik Marburg, Sektion Rhinologie und Allergologie, Medizinische Fakultät Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 3Comprehensive Allergy Centre Charité, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany, 4Translational Medicine Program, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 5Division of Immunology and Allergy, Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 6Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 7Hals-, Nasen-, Ohrenklinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Germany 8Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxemburg, 9Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark, 10Institute of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center of Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medizinische Fakultät der Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria, 11Immunoallergology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy, 12Transylvania University, Brasov, Romania, 13Ankara University, School of Medicine, Department of Chest Disease, Division of, Immunology and Allergy, Ankara, Turkey, 14Abteilung für Atemwegsmedizin und Allergie, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge und Abteilung für Medizin, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, 15Zentrum für Allergieforschung, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, 16Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland, 17Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland, 18Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, Westminster Bridge Road, London, United Kingdom, King’s College London School of Life Course Sciences & School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s Health Partners, United Kingdom, 19Allergy Unit 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, National University of Athens, Medical School, University General Hospital „ATTIKON“, Athen, Greece, 20Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Fachbereich Kinderpneumologie/Allergologie, Dresden, Germany 21Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy, 22Abteilung für Allergie, Entzündungszentrum, Universitätsklinikum Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland, 23Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA, 24Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry School, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain, 25Abteilung für Pädiatrische Pulmologie, Allergologie und Endokrinologie, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Comprehensive Center for Pediatrics, Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria, 26Abteilung für Atmungs- und Lungenerkrankungen, Krankenhaus Hietzing, Vienna, Austria, 27Abteilung für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, Linz, Austria, 28Klinische Abteilung für Nephrologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Austria, 29Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universität Bonn, Bonn, 30Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, 31Zentrum Allergie und Umwelt (ZAUM) Technische Universität und Helmholtz Zentrum München, 32Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie der Technischen Universität München, 33Institut für Klinische Epidemiologie und Biometrie, Universität Würzburg, 34Allergie- und Asthma-Zentrum Westend, Berlin, 35Klinik für Pädiatrie m.S. Pneumologie, Immunologie und Intensivmedizin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 36Abteilung Dermatologie und Allergologie, RWTH Universität, Aachen, 37Medizinische Fakultät der Universität zu Köln, Cologne 38CRI – Clinical Research International Ltd., Hamburg, 39ClinCompetence Cologne GmbH, Köln, Cologne 40Hautklinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, 41Forschungsgruppe Klinische und Molekulare Allergologie des Forschungszentrums Borstel, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Mitglied des Deutschen Zentrums für Lungenforschung (DZL); Interdisziplinäre Allergie-Ambulanz, Medizinische Klinik III, Universität zu Lübeck, 42LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, Großhansdorf, 43Klinik für Allergologie, Johanniter-Krankenhaus im Fläming Treuenbrietzen GmbH, Treuenbrietzen, 44Klinik für Innere Medizin Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 45Einheit für Klinische Allergologie (EKA), Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, 46Praxis für Dermatologie, Immunologie und Allergologie, Erfurt, 47Ärzteverband Deutscher Allergologen, Dreieich, 48Haut- und Laserzentrum an der Oper, München, Munich, 49Academia München, 50HNO-Klinik, Universitätsklinik TUM, München, 51ZAUM, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich 52Praxis für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Münster, 53Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universität Tübingen, 54Asthma und Allergiezentrum Leverkusen, 55Klinik für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden; Praxis für Kinderpenumologie/Allergologie am Kinderzentrum Dresden (Kid), Dresden, 56Praxis und Klinik für Dermatologie/Allergologie am Schwarzwald-Baar Klinikum, Villingen-Schwenningen, 57Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenarzt, Nordrhein-Westfalen, 58Universitätsklinikum Münster, Klinik für Hautkrankheiten, Ambulanz für Allergologie, Berufsdermatologie und Umweltmedizin, Münster, 59Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum, Georg-August-Universität, Göttingen, Germany 60Klinische Abteilung für allgemeine HNO, Medizinische Universität Graz, Austria, 61Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Austria, 62Global Allergy and Airways Patient Platform GAAPP, Vienna, Austria, 63Allergiezentrum Wien West, Vienna, Austria, 64Floridsdorfer Allergiezentrum, Vienna, Austria, 65Universitätsklinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Medizinische Universität Vienna, Austria, 66Komperative Medizin, Interdisziplinäres Messerli Forschungsinstitut, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien, Medizinische Universität Wien, 67Institut für Pathophysiologie und Allergieforschung, Medizinische Universität Wien, 68Abteilung für Atmungs- und Lungenerkrankungen, Krankenhaus Hietzing, Vienna, Austria, 69Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Graz, Austria, 70Österreichische Lungenunion, Vienna, Austria, 71Immunopathologie, Abteilung für Pathophysiologie und Allergieforschung, Zentrum für Pathophysiologie, Infektiologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Austria, 72Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research (SIAF), University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland, 73Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 74Division of Allergy and Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland, 75GARD Chairman, Genf, Switzerland, 76Department of Rehabilitation and Geriatrics, University of Geneva, Genf, Switzerland, 77Clinic Cecil of Hirslanden Group of Lausanne; Centre Hôpitalier Universitaire du canton de Vaud Lausanne, Switzerland, 78Allergiestation, Dermatologische Klinik, Universitätsspital Zürich, Switzerland, 79Klinische Abteilung für Pneumologie, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Wien, Austria, 80Kinderzentrum Bethel, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, Universitätsmedizin OWL der Universität Bielefeld, 81Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen, UKGM, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Gießen, 82Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, 83HNO-Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, 84Universitätsklinikum Essen (AöR), Germany 85Service Immunologie-Allergologie Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxemburg, 86Kinderleben und Gesundheit, Universität von Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 87Medicine and Microbiology, APC Microbiome Ireland, National University of Ireland, Cork, Irland, 88Departments of Immunology, Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands, 89Università degli Studi di Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy, 90University Foundation San Pablo CEU, Madrid, Spain, 91MACVIA-France, Fondation partenariale FMC VIA-LR, Montpellier, France, 92INSERM U 1168, VIMA: Ageing and chronic diseases Epidemiological and public health approaches, Villejuif, France, 93Université Versailles St-Quentin-en-Yvelines, UMR-S 1168, Montigny le Bretonneux, France, 94Euforea, Brussels, Belgium, 95Berlin Institute of Health, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany 96Department of Clinical Immunology, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland, 97ALL-MED Medical Research Institute, Wrocław, Poland, and 98Dermatologische Allergologie, Allergie-Centrum-Charité, Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the treatment of patients with allergic and atopy-associated diseases has faced major challenges. Recommendations for “social distancing” and the fear of patients becoming infected during a visit to a medical facility have led to a drastic decrease in personal doctor-patient contacts. This affects both acute care and treatment of the chronically ill. The immune response after SARS-CoV-2 infection is so far only insufficiently understood and could be altered in a favorable or unfavorable way by therapy with monoclonal antibodies. There is currently no evidence for an increased risk of a severe COVID-19 course in allergic patients. Many patients are under ongoing therapy with biologicals that inhibit type 2 immune responses via various mechanisms. There is uncertainty about possible immunological interactions and potential risks of these biologicals in the case of an infection with SARS-CoV-2. Materials and methods: A selective literature search was carried out in PubMed, Livivo, and the internet to cover the past 10 years (May 2010 – April 2020). Additionally, the current German-language publications were analyzed. Based on these data, the present position paper provides recommendations for the biological treatment of patients with allergic and atopy-associated diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: In order to maintain in-office consultation services, a safe treatment environment must be created that is adapted to the pandemic situation. To date, there is a lack of reliable study data on the care for patients with complex respiratory, atopic, and allergic diseases in times of an imminent infection risk from SARS-CoV-2. Type-2-dominant immune reactions, as they are frequently seen in allergic patients, could influence various phases of COVID-19, e.g., by slowing down the immune reactions. Theoretically, this could have an unfavorable effect in the early phase of a SARS-Cov-2 infection, but also a positive effect during a cytokine storm in the later phase of severe courses. However, since there is currently no evidence for this, all data from patients treated with a biological directed against type 2 immune reactions who develop COVID-19 should be collected in registries, and their disease courses documented in order to be able to provide experience-based instructions in the future. Conclusion: The use of biologicals for the treatment of bronchial asthma, atopic dermatitis, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and spontaneous urticaria should be continued as usual in patients without suspected infection or proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. If available, it is recommended to prefer a formulation for self-application and to offer telemedical monitoring. Treatment should aim at the best possible control of difficult-to-control allergic and atopic diseases using adequate rescue and add-on therapy and should avoid the need for systemic glucocorticosteroids. If SARS-CoV-2 infection is proven or reasonably suspected, the therapy should be determined by weighing the benefits and risks individually for the patient in question, and the patient should be involved in the decision-making. It should be kept in mind that the potential effects of biologicals on the immune response in COVID-19 are currently not known. Telemedical offers are particularly desirable for the acute consultation needs of suitable patients.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. Ludger Klimek, Zentrum für Rhinologie und Allergologie, An den Quellen 10, 65183 Wiesbaden
Email: [email protected]
Statement
Induction of penicillin tolerance during pregnancy: Allergological opinion on the recommendation of the current AWMF Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of Syphilis (AWMF Registry No. 059-002)
Bettina Wedi, Werner Aberer, Knut Brockow, Heinrich Dickel, Randolf Brehler, Thilo Jakob, Burkhard Kreft, Vera Mahler, Hans F. Merk, Norbert Mülleneisen, Hagen Ott, Wolfgang Pfützner, Stefani Röseler, Franziska Ruëff, Cord Sunderkötter, Axel Trautmann, Regina Treudler, Margitta Worm, and Gerda Wurpts
Volume 5 (2021) p. 67 - 71
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 5/2021 (67-71)
Induction of penicillin tolerance during pregnancy: Allergological opinion on the recommendation of the current AWMF Guidelines on Diagnosis and Treatment of Syphilis (AWMF Registry No. 059-002)
Bettina Wedi1, Werner Aberer2, Knut Brockow3, Heinrich Dickel4, Randolf Brehler5, Thilo Jakob6, Burkhard Kreft7, Vera Mahler8,9, Hans F. Merk10, Norbert Mülleneisen11, Hagen Ott12, Wolfgang Pfützner13, Stefani Röseler14, Franziska Ruëff15, Cord Sunderkötter16, Axel Trautmann17, Regina Treudler18, Margitta Worm19, and Gerda Wurpts20
1Department of Dermatology, Allergology, and Venereology, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Hannover Medical School, Germany, 2Department of Dermatology, Medical University Graz, Austria, 3Department and Outpatient Clinic for Dermatology and Allergology am Biederstein, Technical University of Munich, 4Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, St. Josef-Hospital, University Hospital of the Ruhr University of Bochum, 5Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Muenster, 6Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Gießen and Marburg, Campus Gießen, 7Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), 8Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, 9Dermatologists at the Merckhaus Dr. Herbst and Kollegen, Darmstadt, 10Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Aachen Comprehensive Allergy Center (ACAC), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, 11Lung and Allergy Center, Leverkusen, 12Pediatric Dermatology and Allergology, Children’s and Youth Hospital “Auf der Bult”, Hannover, 13Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center Gießen and Marburg, Campus Marburg, 14Augustinians Hospital, Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Cologne, 15Department and Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology, and Allergology, Allergy Center, Hospital of the University of Munich, 16University Hospital and Outpatient Clinic of Dermatogy and Venereology, University Hospital Halle (Saale), 17Department and Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, Allergy Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, 18Department and Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology and Leipzig Interdisciplinary Allergy Center – LICACAC, University of Leipzig, 19Department for Dermatology, Venereology, and Allergology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Allergy Center-Charité (ACC), Berlin, 20Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Aachen Comprehensive Allergy Center (ACAC), University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany
Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. Bettina Wedi, Klinik für Dermatologie, Allergologie und Venerologie, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
Email: [email protected]
Position paper
COVID-19 vaccination of patients with allergies and type-2 inflammation with concurrent antibody therapy (biologicals) – A Position Paper of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI) and the German Society for Applied Allergo
Oliver Pfaar, Ludger Klimek, Eckard Hamelmann, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe, Christian Taube, Martin Wagenmann, Thomas Werfel, Randolf Brehler, Natalija Novak, Norbert Mülleneisen, Sven Becker, and Margitta Worm
Volume 5 (2021) p. 140 - 147
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 5/2021 (140-147)
COVID-19 vaccination of patients with allergies and type-2 inflammation with concurrent antibody therapy (biologicals) – A Position Paper of the German Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI) and the German Society for Applied Allergo
Oliver Pfaar1, Ludger Klimek2, Eckard Hamelmann3, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe4, Christian Taube5, Martin Wagenmann6, Thomas Werfel7, Randolf Brehler8, Natalija Novak9, Norbert Mülleneisen10, Sven Becker11, and Margitta Worm12
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, 2Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, 3University Hospital for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Center Bethel, University of Bielefeld, 4Allergy Center Westend, Berlin, 5Clinic of Pneumology University Hospital Essen – Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, 6Clinic of Otolaryngology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, 7Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, 8Department of Dermatology, Wilhelm University of Münster, Münster, 9Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Bonn, 10Allergy and Asthma Center, Leverkusen, 11Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Tübingen, and 12Allergology and Immunology, Department of Dermatotology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Background: After the beginning and during the worldwide pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), patients with allergic and atopic diseases have felt and still feel insecure. Currently, four vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have been approved by the Paul Ehrlich Institute in Germany, and vaccination campaigns have been started nationwide. In this respect, it is of utmost importance to give recommendations on possible immunological interactions and potential risks of immunomodulatory substances (monoclonal antibodies, biologicals) during concurrent vaccination with the approved vaccines. Materials and methods: This position paper provides specific recommendations on the use of immunomodulatory drugs in the context of concurrent SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations based on current literature. Results: The recommendations are covering the following conditions in which biologicals are indicated and approved: 1) chronic inflammatory skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, chronic spontaneous urticaria), 2) bronchial asthma, and 3) chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Patients with atopic dermatitis or chronic spontaneous urticaria are not at increased risk for allergic reactions after COVID-19 vaccination. Nevertheless, vaccination may result in transient eczema exacerbation due to general immune stimulation. Vaccination in patients receiving systemic therapy with biologicals can be performed. Patients with severe asthma and concomitant treatment with biologicals also do not have an increased risk of allergic reaction following COVID-19 vaccination which is recommended in these patients. Patients with CRSwNP are also not known to be at increased risk for allergic vaccine reactions, and continuation or initiation of a treatment with biologicals is also recommended with concurrent COVID-19 vaccination. In general, COVID-19 vaccination should be given within the interval between two applications of the respective biological, that is, with a time-lag of at least 1 week after the previous or at least 1 week before the next biological treatment planned. Conclusion: Biologicals for the treatment of atopic dermatitis, chronic spontaneous urticaria, bronchial asthma, and CRSwNP should be continued during the current COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. However, the intervals of biological treatment may need to be slightly adjusted (DGAKI/AeDA recommendations as of March 22, 2021).Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. med. Oliver Pfaar, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, Germany
Email: [email protected]
Position paper
COVID-19 vaccination and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) - A position paper of the German Society for Applied Allergology (AeDA) and the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI)
Ludger Klimek, Oliver Pfaar, Eckard Hamelmann, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe, Christian Taube, Martin Wagenmann, Thomas Werfel, Randolf Brehler, Natalija Novak, Norbert Mülleneisen, Sven Becker, and Margitta Worm
Volume 5 (2021) p. 251 - 259
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 5/2021 (251-259)
COVID-19 vaccination and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) - A position paper of the German Society for Applied Allergology (AeDA) and the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI)
Ludger Klimek1, Oliver Pfaar2, Eckard Hamelmann3, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe4, Christian Taube5, Martin Wagenmann6, Thomas Werfel7, Randolf Brehler8, Natalija Novak9, Norbert Mülleneisen10, Sven Becker11, and Margitta Worm12
1Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, 2Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 3University Hospital for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Center Bethel, University of Bielefeld, 4Allergy Center Westend, Berlin, 5Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Essen – Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, 6Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, 7Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venerology, Hanover Medical School, 8Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Division of Allergology, Occupational Dermatology and Environmental Medicine, Münster, 9Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Polyclinic for Dermatology and Allergology, Bonn, 10Asthma and Allergy Center, Leverkusen, 11Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, Tübingen, and 12Allergology and Immunology, Clinic for Dermatotology, Venerology and Allergology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany
Background: Vaccinations against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are intended to induce an immune response to protect against infection/disease. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is thought to induce a (different) immune response, e.g., to induce tolerance to allergens. In this position paper we clarify how to use AIT in temporal relation to COVID-19 vaccination. Four SARSCoV-2 vaccines are currently approved in the EU, and their possible immunological interactions with AIT are described together with practical recommendations for use. Materials and methods: Based on the internationally published literature, this position paper provides specific recommendations for the use of AIT in temporal relation to a SARSCoV-2 vaccination. Results: AIT is used in 1) allergic rhinitis, 2) allergic bronchial asthma, 3) insect venom allergy, 4) food allergy (peanut). Conclusion: For the continuation of an ongoing AIT, we recommend an interval of 1 week before and after vaccination for subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT). For sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) and oral immunotherapy (OIT), we recommend taking Position paper them up to the day before vaccination and a break of 2 – 7 days after vaccination. Initiation of a new SCIT, SLIT, or OIT should be delayed until 1 week after the day of the second vaccination. For SCIT, we generally recommend an interval of ~ 1 week to COVID-19 vaccination.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. med. Ludger Klimek, Zentrum für Rhinologie und Allergologie, An den Quellen 10, 65183 Wiesbaden, Germany
Email: [email protected]
Guideline
Guideline on allergen immunotherapy in IgE-mediated allergic diseases
Oliver Pfaar, Tobias Ankermann, Matthias Augustin, Petra Bubel, Sebastian Böing, Randolf Brehler, Peter A. Eng, Peter J. Fischer, Michael Gerstlauer, Eckard Hamelmann, Thilo Jakob, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe, Matthias Volkmar Kopp, Susanne Lau, Norbert Mülleneisen, Christoph Müller, Katja Nemat, Wolfgang Pfützner, Joachim Saloga, Klaus Strömer, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier, Antje Schuster, Gunter Johannes Sturm, Christian Taube, Zsolt Szépfalusi, Christian Vogelberg, Martin Wagenmann, Wolfgang Wehrmann, Thomas Werfel, Stefan Wöhrl, Margitta Worm, and Bettina Wedi
Volume 6 (2022) p. 167 - 232
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 6/2022 (167-232)
Guideline on allergen immunotherapy in IgE-mediated allergic diseases
Oliver Pfaar1, Tobias Ankermann2, Matthias Augustin3, Petra Bubel4, Sebastian Böing5, Randolf Brehler6, Peter A. Eng7, Peter J. Fischer8, Michael Gerstlauer9, Eckard Hamelmann10, Thilo Jakob11, Jörg Kleine-Tebbe12, Matthias Volkmar Kopp13, Susanne Lau14, Norbert Mülleneisen15, Christoph Müller16, Katja Nemat17,18, Wolfgang Pfützner19, Joachim Saloga20, Klaus Strömer21, Peter Schmid-Grendelmeier22, Antje Schuster23, Gunter Johannes Sturm24, Christian Taube25, Zsolt Szépfalusi26, Christian Vogelberg27, Martin Wagenmann28, Wolfgang Wehrmann29, Thomas Werfel30, Stefan Wöhrl31, Margitta Worm32, and Bettina Wedi30
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Section of Rhinology and Allergy, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 2Department of Pediatrics, Städtisches Krankenhaus Kiel, Kiel, 3Institute for Health Services Research in Dermatology and Nursing, University Medical Center Hamburg, Hamburg, 4ENT practice Dr. Bubel, Eisleben, 5Specialized Practice in Pneumology, Allergology and Sleep Medicine, Düsseldorf/Meerbusch, 6Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany, 7Section of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Children’s Hospital, Aarau, Switzerland, 8Practice for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine m.S. Allergology and Pediatric Pneumology, Schwäbisch Gmünd, 9Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, University Medical Center Augsburg, Augsburg, 10Department of Paediatrics, Children‘s Center Bethel, University Bielefeld, Bielefeld, 11Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Medical Center, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, 12Allergy & Asthma Center Westend, Outpatient Clinic & Research Center, Berlin, Germany, 13Department of Paediatrics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, 14Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Berlin, 15Asthma-Allergiezentrum Leverkusen, 16Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Center for Pediatrics, Department of General Pediatrics, Adolescent Medicine and Neonatology, Freiburg, 17Pediatric Pneumology and Allergology (medical practice), Children’s Center Dresden-Friedrichstadt (Kid), Dresden, 18University AllergyCenter Dresden, University Hospital Dresden (UKD), Dresden, 19Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Clinic, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 20Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, 21Private Office Dermatology, Ahaus, Germany, 22Allergy Unit, Dept. Of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland, 23Department of Pediatrics, Düsseldorf University Hospital, Düsseldorf, Germany, 24Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Medical University of Graz, Allergy Outpatient Clinic Reumannplatz, Vienna, Austria, 25Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Essen – Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, Germany, 26Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Allergology and Endocrinology, Comprehensive Center Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria, 27Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Technical, University Dresden, Dresden, 28Department of Otorhinolaryngology (HNO-Klinik), Düsseldorf University Hospital (UKD), Düsseldorf, 29MVZ Dermatology and Dermatological Surgery Münster, Münster, 30Department of Dermatology & Allergy, Comprehensive Allergy Center, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany, 31Floridsdorf Allergy Center (FAZ), Vienna, Austria, 32Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Berlin
Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. med. Oliver Pfaar, Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg
Email: [email protected]
Review
Allergic asthma: An indication for allergen immunotherapy
Tobias Ankermann and Randolf Brehler
Volume 7 (2023) p. 33 - 38
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 7/2023 (33-38)
Allergic asthma: An indication for allergen immunotherapy
Tobias Ankermann1 and Randolf Brehler2
1Childrens Hospital, Städtisches Krankenhaus Kiel gGmbH, Kiel, and 2Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Münster, Germany
Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) as a validated, disease-modifying treatment is nowadays a widely recommended therapy option for allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma. The registration of allergen extracts used for AIT is based on allergen standardization, dose finding trials, and phase 3 trials proving their efficacy in high-quality, statistically significant randomized clinical trials. Real-world evidence (RWE) studies confirm the clinical relevance of these findings. The most data are available for the treatment of patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. Due to the similar inflammatory mechanisms, allergic rhinitis is often associated with allergic asthma. AIT, which induces tolerance against individual allergens, is the approach to treat the underlying mechanisms of these two interrelated respiratory diseases. Some trials have been published focusing primarily on the effect of AIT on parameters of allergic asthma. Here we give a summary of the evidence for the efficacy of AIT in the indication of allergic asthma.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. med. Randolf Brehler, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Klinik für Hautkrankheiten, Allergologie, Berufsdermatologie und Umweltmedizin, Von-Esmarch-Straße 58, 48149 Münster
Email: [email protected]
Guideline
Guideline for allergological diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions
Knut Brockow, Gerda Wurpts, Axel Trautmann, Wolfgang Pfützner, Regina Treudler, Andreas J. Bircher, Randolf Brehler, Timo Buhl, Heinrich Dickel, Thomas Fuchs, Thilo Jakob, Julia Kurz, Burkhard Kreft, Lars Lange, Hans F. Merk, Maja Mockenhaupt, Norbert Mülleneisen, Hagen Ott, Johannes Ring, Franziska Ruëff, Bernhardt Sachs, Helmut Sitter, Bettina Wedi, Stefan Wöhrl, Margitta Worm, and Torsten Zuberbier
Volume 7 (2023) p. 122 - 139
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 7/2023 (122-139)
Guideline for allergological diagnosis of drug hypersensitivity reactions
Knut Brockow1, Gerda Wurpts2, Axel Trautmann3, Wolfgang Pfützner4, Regina Treudler5, Andreas J. Bircher6, Randolf Brehler7, Timo Buhl8, Heinrich Dickel9, Thomas Fuchs8, Thilo Jakob10, Julia Kurz4, Burkhard Kreft11, Lars Lange12, Hans F. Merk2, Maja Mockenhaupt13, Norbert Mülleneisen14, Hagen Ott15, Johannes Ring1, Franziska Ruëff16, Bernhardt Sachs2, Helmut Sitter17, Bettina Wedi18, Stefan Wöhrl19, Margitta Worm20, and Torsten Zuberbier20
1Department of Dermatology and Allergology Biederstein, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 2Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Germany, Aachen Comprehensive Allergy Center (ACAC), University Hospital of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 3Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Allergy Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, 4Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Marburg, 5Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany, 6Facoltà di Scienze biomediche, Università della Svizzera italiana, Lugano, and Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, 7Department of Dermatology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, 8Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, 9Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, St. Josef Hospital, University Hospital of the Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, 10Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital, Justus-Liebig University, Gießen, 11Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Hospital Halle, Halle (Saale), 12Pediatric Clinic, Marienhospital Bonn, Bonn, 13Documentation Center for Severe Skin Reactions, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, 14Asthma Allergy Center Leverkusen, Leverkusen, 15Children’s and Youth Hospital Auf der Bult, Hanover, 16Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Allergy Center, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, 17Institute for Theoretical Surgery, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, 18Hanover Medical School, Department of Dermatology, Allergology and Venereology, Hanover, Germany, 19Floridsdorf Allergy Center (FAZ), Vienna, Austria, and 20Allergology and Immunology, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. med. Knut Brockow, Department of Dermatology and Allergology at Biederstein, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Biedersteiner Straße 29, 80802 Munich, Germany
Email: [email protected]
Guideline
Diagnosis and treatment of Hymenoptera venom allergy
Franziska Ruëff, Andrea Bauer, Sven Becker, Randolf Brehler, Knut Brockow, Adam M. Chaker, Ulf Darsow, Jörg Fischer, Thomas Fuchs, Michael Gerstlauer, Sunhild Gernert, Eckard Hamelmann, Wolfram Hötzenecker, Ludger Klimek, Lars Lange, Hans Merk, Norbert K. Mülleneisen, Irena Neustädter, Wolfgang Pfützner, Wolfgang Sieber, Helmut Sitter, Christoph Skudlik, Regina Treudler, Bettina Wedi, Stefan Wöhrl, Margitta Worm and Thilo Jakob
Volume 7 (2023) p. 154 - 190
Abstract
Allergologie select, Vol. 7/2023 (154-190)
Diagnosis and treatment of Hymenoptera venom allergy
Franziska Ruëff1, Andrea Bauer2, Sven Becker3, Randolf Brehler4, Knut Brockow5, Adam M. Chaker6, Ulf Darsow5, Jörg Fischer7, Thomas Fuchs8, Michael Gerstlauer9, Sunhild Gernert10, Eckard Hamelmann11, Wolfram Hötzenecker12, Ludger Klimek13, Lars Lange10, Hans Merk14, Norbert K. Mülleneisen15, Irena Neustädter16, Wolfgang Pfützner17, Wolfgang Sieber18, Helmut Sitter19, Christoph Skudlik20, Regina Treudler21, Bettina Wedi22, Stefan Wöhrl23, Margitta Worm24 and Thilo Jakob25
1Department of Dermatology and Allergy, LMU University Hospital, Munich, 2Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, 3Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Tuebingen, Tübingen, 4Department of Dermatology, Münster University Hospital, Münster, 5Department of Dermatology and Allergology Biederstein, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 6Department of Otorhinolaryngology Klinikum rechts der Isar, Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, 7University Hospital for Dermatology and Allergology, Clinic Oldenburg, Oldenburg, 8Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, 9Clinic for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, 10Pediatric Clinic, Marienhospital Bonn, GFO Kliniken, Bonn, 11Children’s Center Bethel, University Hospital OWL, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany, 12Department of Dermatology, Kepler University Hospital, Medical Faculty of University Linz, Linz, Austria, 13Center for Rhinology and Allergology, Wiesbaden, 14Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital of RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, 15Center for Asthma and Allergy, Leverkusen, 16Cnopfsche Paediatric Clinic, Nuremberg, 17Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Marburg, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, 18Hospital Wörth an der Donau, Wörth an der Donau, 19Institute for Theoretical Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, 20Institute for Interdisciplinary Dermatological Prevention and Rehabilitation (iDerm) at the University of Osnabrueck, Osnabrueck, and BG Clinic Hamburg, Hamburg, 21University Leipzig Medical Faculty, Leipzig, 22Comprehensive Allergy, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany, 23Floridsdorf Allergy Center (FAZ), Vienna, Austria, 24Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, and 25Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Giessen, Justus Liebig University Gießen, Gießen, Germany
Hymenoptera venom (HV) is injected into the skin during a sting by Hymenoptera such as bees or wasps. Some components of HV are potential allergens and can cause large local and/or systemic allergic reactions (SAR) in sensitized individuals. During their lifetime, ~ 3% of the general population will develop SAR following a Hymenoptera sting. This guideline presents the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to SAR following Hymenoptera stings. Symptomatic therapy is usually required after a severe local reaction, but specific diagnosis or allergen immunotherapy (AIT) with HV (VIT) is not necessary. When taking a patient’s medical history after SAR, clinicians should discuss possible risk factors for more frequent stings and more severe anaphylactic reactions. The most important risk factors for more severe SAR are mast cell disease and, especially in children, uncontrolled asthma. Therefore, if the SAR extends beyond the skin (according to the Ring and Messmer classification: grade > I), the baseline serum tryptase concentration shall be measured and the skin shall be examined for possible mastocytosis. The medical history should also include questions specific to asthma symptoms. To demonstrate sensitization to HV, allergists shall determine concentrations of specific IgE antibodies (sIgE) to bee and/or vespid venoms, their constituents and other venoms as appropriate. If the results are negative less than 2 weeks after the sting, the tests shall be repeated (at least 4 – 6 weeks after the sting). If only sIgE to the total venom extracts have been determined, if there is double sensitization, or if the results are implausible, allergists shall determine sIgE to the different venom components. Skin testing may be omitted if in-vitro methods have provided a definitive diagnosis. If neither laboratory diagnosis nor skin testing has led to conclusive results, additional cellular testing can be performed. Therapy for HV allergy includes prophylaxis of reexposure, patient self treatment measures (including use of rescue medication) in the event of re-stings, and VIT. Following a grade I SAR and in the absence of other risk factors for repeated sting exposure or more severe anaphylaxis, it is not necessary to prescribe an adrenaline auto-injector (AAI) or to administer VIT. Under certain conditions, VIT can be administered even in the presence of previous grade I anaphylaxis, e.g., if there are additional risk factors or if quality of life would be reduced without VIT. Physicians should be aware of the contraindications to VIT, although they can be overridden in justified individual cases after weighing benefits and risks. The use of β-blockers and ACE inhibitors is not a contraindication to VIT. Patients should be informed about possible interactions. For VIT, the venom extract shall be used that, according to the patient’s history and the results of the allergy diagnostics, was the trigger of the disease. If, in the case of double sensitization and an unclear history regarding the trigger, it is not possible to determine the culprit venom even with additional diagnostic procedures, VIT shall be performed with both venom extracts. The standard maintenance dose of VIT is 100 µg HV. In adult patients with bee venom allergy and an increased risk of sting exposure or particularly severe anaphylaxis, a maintenance dose of 200 µg can be considered from the start of VIT. Administration of a non-sedating H1-blocking antihistamine can be considered to reduce side effects. The maintenance dose should be given at 4-weekly intervals during the first year and, following the manufacturer’s instructions, every 5 – 6 weeks from the second year, depending on the preparation used; if a depot preparation is used, the interval can be extended to 8 weeks from the third year onwards. If significant recurrent systemic reactions occur during VIT, clinicians shall identify and as possible eliminate co-factors that promote these reactions. If this is not possible or if there are no such co-factors, if prophylactic administration of an H1-blocking antihistamine is not effective, and if a higher dose of VIT has not led to tolerability of VIT, physicians should should consider additional treatment with an anti IgE antibody such as omalizumab as off lable use. For practical reasons, only a small number of patients are able to undergo sting challenge tests to check the success of the therapy, which requires in-hospital monitoring and emergency standby. To perform such a provocation test, patients must have tolerated VIT at the planned maintenance dose. In the event of treatment failure while on treatment with an ACE inhibitor, physicians should consider discontinuing the ACE inhibitor. In the absence of tolerance induction, physicians shall increase the maintenance dose (200 µg to a maximum of 400 µg in adults, maximum of 200 µg HV in children). If increasing the maintenance dose does not provide adequate protection and there are risk factors for a severe anaphylactic reaction, physicians should consider a co-medication based on an anti-IgE antibody (omalizumab; off-label use) during the insect flight season. In patients without specific risk factors, VIT can be discontinued after 3 – 5 years if maintenance therapy has been tolerated without recurrent anaphylactic events. Prolonged or permanent VIT can be considered in patients with mastocytosis, a history of cardiovascular or respiratory arrest due to Hymenoptera sting (severity grade IV), or other specific constellations associated with an increased individual risk of recurrent and/or severe SAR (e.g., hereditary α-tryptasemia). In cases of strongly increased, unavoidable insect exposure, adults may receive VIT until the end of intense contact. The prescription of an AAI can be omitted in patients with a history of SAR grade I and II when the maintenance dose of VIT has been reached and tolerated, provided that there are no additional risk factors. The same holds true once the VIT has been terminated after the regular treatment period. Patients with a history of SAR grade ≥ III reaction, or grade II reaction combined with additional factors that increase the risk of non response or repeated severe sting reactions, should carry an emergency kit, including an AAI, during VIT and after regular termination of the VIT.Correspondence to:
Prof. Dr. med. Franziska Ruëff, Klinik und Poliklinik für Dermatologie, und Allergologie, Klinikum der Universität München, Frauenlobstraße 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany,
Email: [email protected]
