Immunology Flashcards
What is the underlying reaction of Anaphylaxis?
IgE mediated Type 1 Hypersensitivity reaction
What is the difference between anaphylaxis and an allergic response?
Anaphylaxis causes ABC compromise whereas allergy does not
What is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in adults and children?
In adults: Drugs
In children: Food
What are some presenting features of Anaphylaxis?
Urticaria Itching Angio-oedema Abdo pain Stridor Shortness of breath Wheeze Tachycardia Collapse
Outline the pathophysiology for Anaphylaxis (first vs second exposure)?
On first exposure to allergen, there is a sensitisation reaction where IgE antibodies are formed and coats the mast cells and basophils
On second exposure to allergen, these IgE on mast cells and basophils will bind to the antigen and cause degranulation. Degranulation will release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, bradykinin, proteases
What is the difference between anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reaction?
An anaphylactoid reaction results from direct release of inflammatory mediators WITHOUT involving antibodies whereas anaphylactic reactions involve antibodies. There also isn’t a sensitation reaction
Anaphylactoid reactions usually occur in response to what?
They tend to be in response to drug exposure
What is “Stridor”?
Extrathoracic (above sternal notch) airway obstruction on inspiration
State some common drugs which can cause allergies / anaphylactoid / anaphylactic reactions?
Penicillin Aspirin Ibuprofen Cephalosporins Anaesthetic agents
What are some risk factors of Anaphylactic reactions?
- Atopy history
- Previous anaphylaxis
- Hygiene hypothesis
What conditions are mimics of Anaphylaxis?
- Hereditary angio-oedema
- Carcinoid tumour
- Pheochromocytoma
- Hereditary mastocytosis
Where / how is adrenaline commonly given for anaphylaxis? What is the adult dose? Can it be repeated?
IM injection, anterolateral aspect in the middle 1/3rd of the thigh. Dose for adults is 0.5 ml / 500mcg , 1:1,000
Can be repeated after 5 mins
Why might adrenaline be given intravenously? Why is it not routinely given IV?
In patients with lost cardiac output, i.e. cardiac arrest
When given IV, can cause side-effects such as arrhythmias
What three medications treat anaphylaxis?
- Adrenaline
- Chlorphenamine
- Hydrocortisone
What is the order as to which the three anaphylaxis drugs are given?
Adrenaline -> Chlorphenamine -> Hydrocortisone
What is the dose of adrenaline for 6-12 year olds?
300 mcg, 1:1,000 IM
What is the dose of adrenaline for 6mo-6 year olds?
150 mcg, 1:1,000 IM
What is the dose of adrenaline for <6mo olds?
150 mcg, 1:1,000 IM
What is the adult dose of Hydrocortisone for anaphylaxis?
200 mg
What is the adult dose of Chlorphenamine for anaphylaxis?
10 mg
Patients who have had treatment for anaphylaxis in hospital should be monitored for how long? Why?
Atleast 6 hours, due to biphasic reactions
What test definitively confirms anaphylaxis? When should it be taken?
Serum tryptase:
- Measure immediately after treatment
- Measure 1-2 hours post reaction
- Measure 24 hours post reaction
Patients with latex allergy are more likely to develop what other allergy?
Allergy to fruits: Latex-Fruit Syndrome
What are three trade names for Adrenaline auto-injectors?
Epipen
Jext
Emerade
Outline what the “Skin prick test” is?
What is it used for?
Used to test food allergies
Diluted food / pollen allergen is placed on skin and pierced with a needle. Wheal should develop in 15mins if positive. There is also a histamine (positive) control and a sterile water (negative) control
Outline what the “Skin patch test” is?
What is it used for?
Used to test contact allergies
Multiple allergens are taped to the back, and assessed for contact dermatitis after 48 hours
What is atopy? Give examples of atopic conditions
Atopy refers to having hypersensitivity reactions to allergens
Examples include asthma, asthma, hay-fever, allergic rhinitis and food allergies
Give examples of Type 1 Hypersensitivity reactions
- Anaphylaxis
- Atopic conditions
What is the classification to distinguish different types of Hypersensitivites?
Gell & Coombs Classification
Outline the mechanism of a Type I Hypersensitivity reaction. What is it aka?
Aka anaphylactic:
Antigen reacts with IgE bound to mast cells / basophils
Outline the mechanism of a Type II Hypersensitivity reaction. What is it aka?
Aka cell bound:
IgG or IgM binds to antigen on cell surface
Outline the mechanism of a Type III Hypersensitivity reaction. What is it aka?
Aka Immune complex
IgG or IgA binds to free antigen
Outline the mechanism of a Type IV Hypersensitivity reaction. What is it aka?
Aka Delayed Hypersensitivity
T-cell mediated
What type of Hypersensitivity reaction is Autoimmune Haemolytic Anaemia?
II
What type of Hypersensitivity reaction is ITP?
II
What type of Hypersensitivity reaction is Serum Sickness?
III
What type of Hypersensitivity reaction is Tuberculosis / Tuberculin skin reactions?
IV