Natural history of cross intolerance to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs in the paediatric population
Abstract
Background : Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of
the main causes of hypersensitivity to drugs in the paediatric
population. Studies about the natural history of cross-intolerance
reactions to NSAIDs are scarce. The aim of this study was to assess
cross intolerance to NSAIDs over time in the paediatric population.
Methods : Retrospective study in patients under 18 years old diagnosed
with cross intolerance to NSAIDs by oral challenge test between 1999 and
2019. These patients were prospectively re-assessed in 2021-2022 by
challenge with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Patient characteristics and
potential factors that might have helped them develop tolerance to
NSAIDs were analysed. Results : Between 1999 and 2019, 46 patients
were diagnosed with cross intolerance to NSAIDs; of these, 19 were
re-assessed at a second visit after a mean of 116 months from initial
diagnosis. The NSAID most involved in reactions was ibuprofen. At Visit
2, it was observed that 15 (78.9%) patients tolerated ASA and other
NSAIDs. Patients with atopy and who initially presented with asthma were
more likely to maintain their diagnosis of cross intolerance to NSAIDs (
p=0.001 and p=0.035, respectively). On the contrary, most
patients with initial angioedema developed tolerance over time (
p=0.035). Conclusion : Patients with cross intolerance to
NSAIDs may develop tolerance to them over time. This tolerance might be
determined both by the presence of atopy and the initial history of the
patient.