Severe hypersensitivity reactions occurring during the initial infusion of cetuximab are mediated by preexisting IgE antibodies that are specific for the oligosaccharide galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose. Medscape Medical News
Recently submitted data on allergic reactions related to a Schering-Plough Corpdrug aimed at reversing the effects of anesthesia raise concerns, a U.S. regulator said on Tuesday. Reuters Health Information
The authors assessed the effects of prophylactic lamivudine on reactivation and mortality following immunosuppressive therapy in HBsAg-positive patients. Journal of Viral Hepatitis
Multiple factors, including severity of illness, predict apnea following immunization in hospitalized infants, researchers report in the March issue of Pediatrics. Reuters Health Information
Uric acid, an endogenous danger signal released by dying cells, may be involved in the autoimmune response by supplying a signal that leads to enhanced antibody immunity. Reuters Health Information
Rose Bromberg, Resident Poet with the Program in Narrative Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, NY, discusses adding poetry to art and music in medicine. The Medscape Journal of Medicine
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices no longer prefers administering combination measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella vaccine over separate injections of equivalent component vaccines. Medscape Medical News
Although the recombinant humanized anti-IgE antibody omalizumab reduces serum free IgE concentrations and alleviates allergic airway disease, the effect is rapidly lost after reduction and cessation of treatment. Reuters Health Information