Abstract
Purpose: The plasma levels of prekallikrein, alpha-2-macroglobulin and C1-esterase inhibitor (C1 INH) in patients with previous urticarial reaction to contrast media (CM) were compared to those of a group of nonreacting age- and sex-matched controls. This study evaluated the value of these laboratory variables in predicting acute and delayed urticarial-type reactions.
Material and Methods: The study comprised 44 patients (reactors) with acute (n=29) or delayed (n=15) urticaria after administration of CM, and a group of age- and sex-matched controls.
Results: In the reactors, the levels of prekallikrein and alpha-2-macroglobulin were higher (p<0.0001) and the level of C1 INH lower (p<0.0001) than those of the controls. the level of prekallikrein decreased with increasing age (p=0.02) and women had higher values than men (p=0.0054). the level of alpha-2-macroglobulin was age-dependent (p=0.006).
Conclusion: Although high plasma prekallikrein activity, high plasma alpha-2-mac-roglobulin activity, and low plasma C1 INH activity are associated with urticaria-type reaction to CM, their value in predicting urticarial reaction is limited because prekallikrein is age- and sex-dependent, and alpha-2-macroglobulin is age-dependent.
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