Clinical and Biochemical Aspects of "Aspirin-Sensitivity"

Abstract

Progressively increasing doses of aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid-ASA) were tolerated by 14 out of 15 patients with confirmed aspirin-sensitive urticaria and in 7 out of 9 patients with aspirin-sensitive asthma. Blood levels ofhistamine and prostaglandin (PG) F2a were significantly raised in these patients before ASA administration. PGF2a levels fell to within the normal range after challenge doses of ASA which were sufficient to cause symptoms. Skin prick testing with histamine and codeine phosphate did not show evidence of abnormal tissue reactivity or mast cell reactivity. A wider spectrum of mediators will need to be considered if the mechanism of symptom production is to be understood.

Hazards of challenge tests in atopic dermatitis

“…The regular administration of salicylates to patients with salicylate intolerance quickly leads to a state of tolerance to salicylate (16). The mechanism in this instance, although not fully understood, is probably pharmacological (17). It is likely, although unproven, that a similar phenomenon occurs with certain food additives.…”