Hypogammaglobulinemia in lung transplant recipients is more common than has been previously recognized. An IgG level of less than 400 mg/dl identifies a group at extremely high risk of bacterial and fungal infections, tissue-invasive cytomegalovirus, and poorer survival. Immunoglobulin monitoring may offer an opportunity for intensive surveillance, tapering of immunosuppression, and preemptive therapy for infection.

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A history of allergy to penicillin does not necessarily rule out using penicillin again. With skin testing and, in some cases, desensitization, most patients with a history of penicillin allergy can safely receive the drug.

The Center for Disease Control guidelines recommend desensitization to metronidazole in patients with trichomoniasis and hypersensitivity to metronidazole. There is only one published oral metronidazole desensitization protocol. The purpose of this study was to design a new, more gradual oral desensitization protocol to decrease systemic reactions that may occur when using the previously published protocol. We present two patients with presumed IgE-mediated allergy to metronidazole who underwent oral desensitization using our modified protocol. Case 1 was a 65-year-old woman with trichomoniasis who presented for metronidazole desensitization with a history of intraoperative anaphylaxis and positive skin tests to metronidazole. The patient tolerated six doses of the modified desensitization but developed systemic symptoms of nasal congestion and diffuse pruritus after the 25- and 100-mg doses. Both reactions were treated with intravenous (i.v.) antihistamines. Because of gastrointestinal irritation, the desensitization was completed at a dose of 250 mg orally every 6 hours. Case 2 was a 42-year-old woman with trichomoniasis and a history of hives immediately after administration of i.v. metronidazole who presented for desensitization. The patient had negative skin-prick and intradermal testing to metronidazole. She developed lip tingling and pruritus on her arms 15 minutes after the 10-mg dose. Fexofenadine at 180 mg was given orally and symptoms resolved. She tolerated the rest of the protocol without reaction and received a total dose of 2 g of metronidazole. Our oral metronidazole desensitization for presumed IgE-mediated reactions offers a second option for physicians wishing to use a more gradual escalation in dose.

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Nonallergic rhinitis can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. It is difficult to distinguish from allergic rhinitis, but it has different triggers, and its response to treatment can vary. We review its differential diagnosis, causes, and treatment.