Allergies and Allergic Diseases—Perspectives in Diagnosis and Management: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Medical Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 739

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The diagnosis and management of allergic diseases constitute difficult tasks in many cases. Component-resolved diagnosis was a game-changing development, allowing the identification of patterns of sensitization. Furthermore, it enabled scholars to indirectly identify the proteins behind cross-sensitization. Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges remain the gold-standard approach in the diagnosis of food allergies, whereas skin prick tests allow the diagnosis of pollen and house dust mite sensitization. Basophile activation tests are interesting tools, which allow in vitro challenges to be performed, eliminating the risk for patients. These methods all have benefits, but they remain insufficient in many cases.

We welcome research on different diagnostic tools for allergies and current trends in the management of allergic disorders. Other topics discussed in this Special Issue include allergens, allergen isoforms, new allergens, and ligand–allergen interactions.

Prof. Dr. Kinga Lis
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • allergy
  • anaphylaxis
  • cross-allergies
  • IgE
  • exercise-induced anaphylaxis
  • component-resolved diagnosis

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

13 pages, 721 KB  
Article
Systemic Allergic Reactions to Subcutaneous Allergen Immunotherapy—A Single-Center Experience
by Nataša Kusić, Aleksandra Plavšić, Vojislav Đurić, Jasna Bolpačić, Rajica Stošović, Milan Dimitrijević, Jelena Spirić-Milovančević, Irena Oštrić Pavlović, Antonije Veličković and Vesna Tomić-Spirić
Life 2025, 15(10), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15101527 - 28 Sep 2025
Viewed by 496
Abstract
Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is generally considered a safe treatment modality, with systemic reactions (SRs) representing its most significant adverse events, despite their low incidence. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of SRs associated with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) and [...] Read more.
Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is generally considered a safe treatment modality, with systemic reactions (SRs) representing its most significant adverse events, despite their low incidence. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of SRs associated with subcutaneous allergen immunotherapy (SCIT) and to identify potential risk factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 47,982 SCIT injections administered to 317 patients over 468 SCIT courses between January 2019 and January 2024. The study population consisted of 26 patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis sensitized to pollen and/or house dust mites (HDMs), as well as individuals with venom allergies who experienced SRs to SCIT during the study period. Data collected included demographic characteristics, presence of asthma, allergen sensitivities, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-related immunologic biomarkers, and adverse reactions. SRs were classified according to the World Allergy Organization (WAO) SCIT SR Grading System. Results: A total of 26 SCIT-related SRs were documented in 26 patients (57.7% female; mean age 37.3 ± 10.04 years), corresponding to an incidence rate of 0.05% per injection, and 8.2% per patient. Asthma was present in 42.3% of patients. Prior adverse reactions to SCIT were noted in eight patients (30.8%). SRs occurred during the build-up phase in 61.5% of cases, compared with the maintenance phase. In 46.2% of patients, a single allergen was administered, while 53.8% received multiple allergens. Based on the WAO grading system, 30.8% of SRs were classified as grade 1, 42.3% as grade 2, 15.4% as grade 3, and 11.5% as grade 4. No fatalities were reported. The majority of SRs were early onset (88.5%), and epinephrine was administered in 76.9% of the cases. A higher serum specific IgE to total IgE (sIgE/tIgE) ratio was significantly associated with more severe SRs. Conversely, a history of prior allergic reactions to SCIT appeared to correlate with milder SRs. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that SRs to SCIT are rare, and severe reactions are infrequent. A higher serum sIgE/tIgE ratio can be risk factor for severe SRs. Nonetheless, a thorough risk–benefit assessment is essential prior to initiating SCIT, particularly in patients with identified risk factors. Full article
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