Open Access 01-12-2016 | Case report
Polyethylene glycol as a cause of anaphylaxis
Published in: Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology | Issue 1/2016
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Background
Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) or macrogols are polyether compounds and are widely used as additives in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food.
Case report
We report on a Caucasian patient experiencing recurrent severe allergic reactions to several drugs. An extensive diagnostic workup including skin prick tests, intradermal tests (IDT) and a double-blind oral challenge was performed to identify the trigger of anaphylaxis. In the present case hypersensitivity to the additive polyethylene glycol was confirmed by an IDT suggesting an Immunoglobulin E-dependent mechanism as a cause of the reaction.
Conclusion
Potential life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to hidden molecules like macrogol may be underdiagnosed. Cases of immediate-type PEG hypersensitivity were reported with increasing frequency. The awareness regarding the allergenic potential of PEG should be raised and a proper product labelling is crucial to prevent PEG mediated hypersensitivity.