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Selected Publication:
SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Teufelberger, AR; Dan, AR; Irmler, L; Wolf, P; Kränke, B.
COVID-19 vaccines: anaphylaxis and anxiety : A case study from an allergy unit.
Wien Klin Wochenschr. 2024;
Doi: 10.1007/s00508-024-02435-0
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Web of Science
PubMed
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- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Teufelberger Andrea Renate
- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Kränke Birger
- Wolf Peter
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- Abstract:
- BACKGROUND: Vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was one crucial element to overcome the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Even though anaphylaxis to vaccines is rare, 47 patients came to the Allergy Unit at the University Hospital Graz, Austria, reporting immediate anaphylactoid symptoms after administration of COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, 29 patients with known drug-induced anaphylaxis wanted to be tested for a possible sensitization against COVID-19 vaccines or excipients, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate 80 (PS80) before the first COVID-19 vaccination. Skin prick tests and intradermal tests were performed in all 76 patients, mostly using PEG 2000, and/or PS80. Skin prick tests with COVID-19 vaccines were performed depending on availability. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to characterize this patient cohort in terms of patients' anaphylactoid responses, their willingness to future vaccinations against SARS-Cov‑2, and reasons for their decision. METHODS: We developed a questionnaire and analyzed 34 completed copies. RESULTS: Of the 47 patients with anaphylactoid reactions to COVID-19 vaccination, most were female (40 female/7 male). The skin tests, even when performed with the respective COVID-19 vaccine, were negative in all but one patient. Most patients who experienced anaphylactoid reactions after a COVID-19 vaccination, did not want another COVID-19 vaccination at the time of answering the questionnaire because of anxiety for another anaphylactoid response at the next shot. Premedication with antihistamines significantly lowered (n = 74 vaccinations) the severity of anaphylactoid responses after COVID-19 vaccinations. CONCLUSION: Anxiety about another anaphylactoid episode hinders patients to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV‑2 again. Premedication with antihistamines and collaboration of allergologists with psychologists might lower the risk of an anaphylactic/anaphylactoid response as well anxiety in drug-induced anaphylactic patients.
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- Anaphylactoid
- Polyethylene glycol
- Questionnaire
- Antihistamine
- Intradermal test