AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightConclusions: This study suggests that, based on ABP, SI, and MFI assessments, BAT may represent a partially useful test in patients with a history of immediate RCM reactions.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Aims: Current tests used for the diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) due to radiocontrast media (RCM) are associated with important shortcomings. The present study investigated the diagnostic value of basophil activation test (BAT) in immediate HRs to RCM. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with prospective enrollment. The skin test (ST) with RCM was performed in cases with suspicious immediate RCM allergy. The patients were categorized into four groups (G); G1: positive ST to RCM; G2: negative ST to RCM; G3: no RCM reaction; and G4: controls with no history of RCM use. BAT was performed using flow cytometry to analyze CD63 and CD203c expression in basophils. Activated basophil percentage (ABP), stimulation index (SI), mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), and the SI of the MFI (MFI SI) were compared across 4 groups. Results: A total of 42 patients (female: 73.8%, age 26 to 78 years) were evaluated. SI was greater in G1 (n=7) than in G3 (n=9) (p=0.05); MFI was greater in G1 than in G4 (n=17) (p=0.03); and MFI SI was greater in G1 than in G4 (p=0.03). Four subjects (57.1%) in G1 had an ABP of >5%, 3 subjects (42.8%) had a SI ≥2, and 5 patients (71.4%) had elevated MFI; the corresponding figures in G2 (n=9) were 2 (22.2%), 1 (11.1%) and 1 (11.1%), respectively. All three criteria were positive only in 2 patients in G1. Conclusions: This study suggests that, based on ABP, SI, and MFI assessments, BAT may represent a partially useful test in patients with a history of immediate RCM reactions.