BACKGROUND: The main mechanism of development of HDR to NSAIDs is associated with inhibition of cyclooxygenase type 1 (COX-1), which leads to cross-hypersensitivity reactions (CRs) to NSAIDs from various subgroups of different chemical structures. Clinically, CRs usually manifest in the form of urticaria, angioedema (AO).
AIMS: To characterize a group of patients with CRs to NSAIDs manifesting as urticaria/angioedema/anaphylaxis (CRs-UA).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective single-center study was conducted from 2016 to 2022. In the NRC “Institute of Immunology” of the FMBA of Russia, patients with a presumptive diagnosis of DHR to NSAIDs (n=307) were consulted. A group of patients (n=237) with the immediate-type drug hypersensitivity reactions (IDHRs) to NSAIDs were identified, of which CRs-UA was observed in 127 patients. This group was divided into 2 phenotypes: a group with concomitant chronic urticaria (CU) – NECD (n=67) and a group with no concomitant CU – NIUA (n=60). We assessed demographic data, drug triggers, clinical manifestations of previous reactions, concomitant atopy, and compared these indicators in the NECD and NIUA. Selected patients underwent a drug provocation test (DPT) with selective or predominantly selective NSAIDs and paracetamol.
RESULTS: CRs-UA is the most common phenotype of IDHRs to NSAIDs (75.6%). Women develop CRs-UA 2,5 times more frequently than men. Women are more likely to develop NECD, while men are more likely to develop NIUA. The onset of NECD in women happens 16 years later than in men. Mild manifestations of CRs (urticaria/AO) develop more frequently than severe ones (anaphylaxis). The main clinical manifestation of CRs-UA in children is AO, while in adults urticaria (NECD) and AO (NIUA) are the main clinical presentations. The most frequent NSAID triggers are metamizole, acetylsalicylic acid and propionic acid derivatives. NSAIDs with the highest safety profile are coxibs, paracetamol, and to a lesser extent – meloxicam, nimesulide.
CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained allowed us to expand our understanding of CRs to NSAIDs manifesting as urticaria/angioedema or anaphylaxis (CRs-UA). Selective COX-2 inhibitors and paracetamol are drugs with the highest safety profile in patients with CRs-UA to NSAIDs.