[Safety of reintroducing platelet-inhibitory doses of aspirin in patients with urticaria or angioedema induced by anti-inflammatory doses].

BACKGROUND

Aspirin is one of the most widely prescribed drugs in the world on account of its analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Its effect on platelet aggregation makes it the first choice for prophylaxis in cardiovascular, neurological and obstetric diseases. However, a history of aspirin-induced urticaria and/or angioedema is usually a contraindication for further prescription of the drug. The aim of this article was to demonstrate that patients presenting aspirin-induced cutaneous reactions at anti-inflammatory doses can safely benefit from aspirin reintroduction at platelet-inhibitory doses.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Patients with a history of aspirin-induced urticaria and/or angioedema referred to our department between January 2000 and June 2008 for double-blind placebo-controlled reintroduction at platelet-inhibitory doses for a medical indication were enrolled in this study.

RESULTS

Seventy patients with aspirin hypersensitivity as well as a medical indication for this therapy were referred to our department. Of these, 38 (54.3%) had a history of aspirin-induced urticaria and/or angioedema, including three laryngeal oedemas (7.9%). All subjects received platelet-inhibitory doses of aspirin (maximal total dose: 400mg/day) in double-blind placebo-controlled fashion during a one-day hospitalization period. None of the patients presented an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. Only one patient, who had received a cumulative dose of 200mg/day, reported diffuse urticaria and facial angioedema of no clinical significance the following day. He had a history of chronic urticaria.

CONCLUSION

This article demonstrates the safety of reintroducing platelet-inhibitory doses of aspirin in patients in whom it is indicated and reporting aspirin-induced urticaria and/or angioedema with anti-inflammatory doses. However, patients with a history of chronic urticaria should undergo a challenge with the lowest platelet-inhibitory dose (75mg/day) in order to minimize the risk of aggravating their condition.