Ferric carboxymaltose treatment efficacyThe experiences of ferric carboxymaltose desensitization and provocation.
We explored the impact of ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) on individuals with hypersensitivity reactions to iron supplements. The study included patients identified through a retrospective analysis, focusing on those who displayed allergic reactions.
In our analysis, we administered different protocols to patients based on their risk profiles. For low-risk patients, a 4-step drug provocation test (DPT) was performed, while those at higher risk underwent an 11-step rapid drug desensitization (RDD) protocol.
The results were promising, showing that the majority of patients could successfully complete FCM treatments without severe allergic reactions. Out of 21 patients undergoing RDD, 95.2% completed the treatment successfully. While some experienced mild reactions, such as urticaria, serious complications were infrequent.
Additionally, 10 low-risk patients who underwent DPT also completed their iron therapy effectively, though a couple of them experienced mild symptoms afterward. Overall, we found that RDD is a reliable method for safely administering FCM and that DPT is beneficial for low-risk individuals.
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Iron reduces allergenicity in milkReduced allergenicity of hydrolysed whey protein concentrate complexed with iron: the effect of different enzymes, degree of hydrolysis and ascorbic acid.
We explored the effects of iron-complexed hydrolyzed whey protein on cow's milk allergies. In this study, we created various treatments with different hydrolysis degrees and tested their allergenicity using specific IgE antibodies.
Our findings showed a significant reduction in allergenicity—up to 60% when combining iron with ascorbic acid. Although there was a clear improvement, the results suggest that these treatments may not eliminate allergenic responses entirely.
In essence, iron fortification could be a promising strategy for creating hypoallergenic dairy products.
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COEs worsen allergic asthma symptomsCoke oven emissions exacerbate allergic asthma by promoting ferroptosis in airway epithelial cells.
We investigated how coke oven emissions (COEs) might worsen allergic asthma, especially when combined with house dust mites. In our mouse model, exposure to both COEs and allergens led to increased airway inflammation and worsening allergic reactions compared to individual exposures.
We found that higher levels of iron were present in the combined exposure group, and when we used an iron-binding agent, it effectively reduced ferroptosis—a process damaging cells—in this context.
Our results suggest a potential new treatment avenue for asthma related to occupational COE exposure.
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Allergy management in iron treatmentsFrom diagnosis to desensitization in immediate hypersensitivity reactions to both oral and parenteral iron salts.
We examined the rise of hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) linked to iron agents, especially as their usage in treating iron deficiency has increased. In this study, we evaluated the clinical features of patients who experienced immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) to both oral and intravenous (IV) iron preparations.
Our analysis included the medical records of 96 patients with a history of these reactions. Among them, 47 had reactions to oral iron, while 49 reacted to IV iron. We conducted skin-prick tests with various iron salts, but found that these tests weren't very helpful for diagnosing IHRs. In fact, only a small percentage showed a positive reaction.
Interestingly, we noted that patients who were sensitive to IV iron experienced more severe reactions, including cases of anaphylaxis. Despite the challenges in diagnosing these allergies, we successfully conducted desensitization treatments for 15 patients needing iron, specifically using ferric carboxymaltose. This approach proved to be safe and effective, marking an important option for patients requiring iron therapy despite their hypersensitivity.
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Iron exacerbates allergic responsesFerruginous components of particulate matters in subway environments, α-FeO or FeO, exacerbates allergies.
We investigated how iron oxide particles, commonly found in subway environments, affect allergic responses. By administering these particles to mice with induced allergies, we observed that they increased inflammation in the lungs.
The presence of iron enhanced the recruitment of specific immune cells and production of certain cytokines, which can worsen allergic reactions. In further laboratory tests, it was clear that iron oxide promoted harmful responses in immune cells.
Overall, while iron particles from subways may not be entirely responsible for all allergic reactions, they can certainly aggravate existing ones.
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