Abstract
Introduction: Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) are widely used as excipients
in drugs, cosmetics and household products. Immediate-type allergy to
PEGs including anaphylaxis are reported with low but increasing
frequency. Low awareness of the allergenic potential of PEGs among
consumers, manufacturers and doctors leads to under-diagnosis and
under-reporting of PEG allergy, putting patients at risk of repeated
severe reactions. The aims of this study were to investigate clinical
manifestations, time to diagnosis and impact of a PEG allergy diagnosis
on daily life of patients. Method: Ten PEG allergic patients answered a
questionnaire about clinical manifestations, causes and impact on daily
life of a PEG allergy, scored on a likert scale (0-10) before and after
diagnosis. Results: Eight patients had experienced at least one
anaphylactic reaction requiring adrenaline treatment. Anaphylaxis was
caused by depot-steroids, antibiotic/analgesic tablets, antacids and
laxatives. Seven patients reported repeated reactions before diagnosis
(median 3, range 2-6). Median time from first reaction to diagnosis was
20 months (range 2-120). None of the patients experienced severe
allergic reactions after the diagnosis. Median likert score of the
impact on daily life before diagnosis was 7 compared to 4 after
diagnosis. Conclusion: Daily life of PEG allergic patients is improved
after diagnosis. Detailed information about the allergy, an allergy
warning card, education in checking labels of new products, continued
follow-up and advice from the Allergy Department were reported by
patients to be important. Improved awareness about PEG allergy, clear
product labelling and a standardized nomenclature is needed to improve
care for these patients.