Abstract
Background: The cause for anaphylaxis cannot be identified
after extensive evaluation in a large proportion of patients, who are
classified as having ‘idiopathic anaphylaxis’ (IA). As food consumption
patterns, genetic background, and environmental factors can lead to
differences in allergen sensitization patterns in different regions, we
sought to identify the aetiology of IA in cohort of Sri Lankan patients.
Methods: Of the patients referred to our clinic following
anaphylaxis, 65 were recruited as a cause could not be identified. The
events that led to the episode of anaphylaxis, the triggers, the
severity of symptoms and treatment received were recorded and skin prick
test, ISAC ImmunoCAP test and serum tryptase was carried out.
Results: Of the 65 patients, 42/65 (64.6%) were females and
49/65 (75.38%) were adults. 46/65 (70.8%) had grade II anaphylaxis and
34/65 (52.3%) were found to have specific IgE to alpha-gal, with
symptoms occurring 0.5 to 6 hours since ingestion of food. Of those who
had specific IgE to alpha-gal, 12 (35.3%) had consumed red meat and 10
(29.4%) milk products (3 had consumed fermented buffalo milk), before
the episode of anaphylaxis. Difficulty in breathing, swelling of lips
and syncope was significantly higher in those who were not sensitized to
alpha-gal, while diarrhoea and abdominal pain were more common in those
sensitized to alpha-gal, although this was not significant.
Conclusion: A large proportion of patients presenting with IA
were found to be sensitized to alpha-gal, which was the likely cause of
their anaphylaxis.