Anaphylaxis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Anaphylaxis, including details on food allergies, diagnosis, treatment, causes.

Vitreous injections of pegaptanib sodium triggering allergic reactions.

Steffensmeier AC, Azar AE, Fuller JJ, Muller BA, Russell SR

Center for Macular Degeneration and Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of systemic allergic response associated with vitreous administration of pegaptanib sodium. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: Two patients were treated for systemic allergic reactions associated with the administration of pegaptanib sodium. RESULTS: One patient developed a delayed and prolonged anaphylactoid reaction following administration of his first dose of intraocular pegaptanib sodium. The second patient received four injections of pegaptanib over the course of six months. He developed mild lip swelling and prolonged urticarial rash following the first injection, which subsided when pegaptanib was suspended. CONCLUSIONS: Severe hypersensitivity reactions may occur in association with vitreous administration of pegaptanib sodium and may be associated with prolonged urticaria and angioedema. Elderly individuals with comorbidities are at higher risk for fatality from severe hypersensitivity reactions in the ambulatory setting. Physicians administering pegaptanib sodium should review emergency response and airway procedures.

Published 23 February 2007 in Am J Ophthalmol, 143(3): 512-3.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Anaphylaxis Research Today. All Rights Reserved.