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Kan AKC, Tang WT, Li PH. Helper T cell subsets: Development, function and clinical role in hypersensitivity reactions in the modern perspective. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30553. [PMID: 38726130 PMCID: PMC11079302 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Helper T cells are traditionally classified into T helper 1 (TH1) and T helper 2 (TH2). The more recent discoveries of T helper 17 (TH17), follicular helper T cells (TFH) and regulatory T cells (Treg) enhanced our understanding on the mechanisms of immune function and hypersensitivity reactions, which shaped the modern perspective on the function and role of these different subsets of helper T cells in hypersensitivity reactions. Each subset of helper T cells has characteristic roles in different types of hypersensitivity reactions, hence giving rise to the respective characteristic clinical manifestations. The roles of helper T cells in allergic contact dermatitis (TH1-mediated), drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome (TH2-mediated), and acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) (TH17-mediated) are summarised in this article, demonstrating the correlation between the type of helper T cell involved and the clinical features. TFH plays crucial roles in antibody class-switch recombination; they may be implicated in antibody-mediated hypersensitivity reactions, but further research is warranted to delineate their exact pathogenic roles. The helper T cell subsets and their specific cytokine profiles implicated in different hypersensitivity reactions could be potential treatment targets by biologics, but more clinical trials are warranted to establish their clinical effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Wang Tik Tang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
| | - Philip H. Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China
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Wong CH, Kan AKC, Tsoi KH, Chan SSY, Jiang NS, Loong CHN, Fong CHY, Wong JSH, Shea GKH, Cheung CL, Lee CH, Tan KCB, Woo YC, Lui DTW. Clinical characteristics, densitometric parameters and outcomes of patients with atypical femoral fractures related to bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis. Endocrine 2024; 84:223-235. [PMID: 37985574 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We described the clinical and densitometric characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients who developed atypical femoral fractures (AFF) while on bisphosphonate for osteoporosis. METHODS We performed a retrospective cohort study including all adults aged ≥50 years who developed AFF while on bisphosphonates between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2020, and subsequently managed in the Osteoporosis Centre at Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. A control group of patients who developed fragility hip fractures while on bisphosphonates in the same period was included for comparison. We compared the clinical and densitometric characteristics between the two groups, and described the clinical outcomes for the AFF group. RESULTS In total, 75 patients were included (AFF: n = 35; fragility hip fracture: n = 40). All were related to oral bisphosphonates. The AFF group was characterised by a longer duration of bisphosphonate use (median of 5 years), higher bone mineral density (BMD) and more acute neck-shaft angle (all p < 0.05). Following AFF, 8 patients (22.9%) did not receive any subsequent bone-active agents: due to refusal to use an injectable, or BMD out of osteoporotic range. Most of those who received bone-active agents were given teriparatide, followed by raloxifene, and achieved stable BMD. However, subsequent fragility risk remained high. Nonetheless, AFF did not confer excess morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION AFF was characterised by usually long duration of bisphosphonate use, higher BMD and more acute neck-shaft angle. AFF did not confer significant impairment in mobility or mortality. Nonetheless, further research work is necessary to optimise bone health among patients who develop AFF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kimberly Hang Tsoi
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stacey Sheung Yi Chan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Nancy Su Jiang
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Connie Hong Nin Loong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carol Ho Yi Fong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Janus Siu Him Wong
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Graham Ka Hon Shea
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ching Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathryn Choon Beng Tan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yu Cho Woo
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - David Tak Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Chiang V, Kan AKC, Saha C, Au EYL, Li PH. Identifying the most at-risk age-group and longitudinal trends of drug allergy labeling amongst 7.3 million individuals in Hong Kong. BMC Med 2024; 22:30. [PMID: 38273323 PMCID: PMC10811878 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03250-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incorrect drug 'allergy' labels remain a global public health concern. Identifying regional trends of drug allergy labeling can guide appropriate public health interventions, but longitudinal or population drug allergy studies remain scarce. We analysed the serial epidemiology of drug allergy labeling to identify specific subgroups at highest risk of drug allergy labeling for potential interventions. METHODS Longitudinal, population-wide drug allergy labels and clinical data from over 7,337,778 individuals in Hong Kong between 2016 and 2021 were analysed. RESULTS The absolute prevalence and incidence of documented drug allergy were 5.61% and 277/100,000 population, respectively. Annual incidence of new allergy labels was stable between 2016 and 2019, until a significant drop in 2020 (-16.3%) during the COVID19 pandemic. The most common allergy labels were anti-infectives (245,832 [44.5%]), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (106,843 [19.3%]), and nervous system drugs (45,802 [8.3%]). The most common labeled culprits for the most severe immediate-type (anaphylaxis) and non-immediate-type (Stevens-Johnson syndrome) reactions were beta-lactams and nervous system drugs, respectively. For individuals at highest risk of labeling, there was significantly higher incidence of overall drug and beta-lactam allergy labeling amongst individuals aged > 40 years which contributed to the majority of newly labeled allergies (377,004, 68.2%). CONCLUSIONS Contrary to traditional dogma, we identified disproportionately higher incidence of drug allergy labeling amongst older individuals, rather than the paediatric age group. We advocate for more population-wide drug allergy studies to investigate this phenomenon in other cohorts as well as future preventative and delabeling efforts focusing on the adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Chinmoy Saha
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Elaine Y L Au
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Philip H Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.
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Kan AKC, Chiang V, Saha C, Au EYL, Li PH. Feasibility of a drug allergy registry-based excipient allergy database and call for universal mandatory drug ingredient disclosure: the case of PEG. Front Allergy 2024; 4:1331036. [PMID: 38292585 PMCID: PMC10824824 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1331036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Excipient allergy is a rare, but potentially lethal, form of drug allergy. Diagnosing excipient allergy remains difficult in regions without mandatory drug ingredient disclosure and is a significant barrier to drug safety. Objective To investigate the feasibility of a drug allergy registry-based excipient database to identify potential excipient culprits in patients with history of drug allergy, using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an example. Methods An excipient registry was created by compiling the excipient lists pertaining to all available formulations of the top 50 most reported drug allergy culprits in Hong Kong. Availability of excipient information, and its relationship with total number of formulations of individual drugs were analysed. All formulations were checked for the presence or absence of PEG. Results Complete excipient information was available for 36.5% (729/2,000) of all formulations of the top 50 reported drug allergy culprits in Hong Kong. The number of formulations for each drug was associated with proportion of available excipient information (ρ = 0.466, p = 0.001). Out of 729 formulations, 109 (15.0%) and 620 (85.0%) were confirmed to contain and not contain PEG, respectively. Excipient information was not available for the other 1,271 (63.6%) formulations. We were unable to confirm the presence or absence of PEG in any of the top 50 drug allergy culprits in Hong Kong. Conclusion In countries without mandatory drug ingredient disclosure, excipient databases are unlikely able to identify potential excipient allergy in drug allergy patients. Legislations to enforce mandatory and universal ingredient disclosure are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chinmoy Saha
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Elaine Y. L. Au
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip Hei Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Kan AKC, Chiang V, Ip WK, Au EYL, Li PH. Anti-polyethylene glycol (PEG) antibody isotypes may predict PEG-associated allergy and COVID-19 protection among patients with history of suspected COVID-19 vaccine allergy. Clin Transl Allergy 2023; 13:e12284. [PMID: 37746797 PMCID: PMC10472983 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical ImmunologyDepartment of MedicineQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong
| | - Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical ImmunologyDepartment of PathologyQueen Mary HospitalHong KongHong Kong
| | - Wai Ki Ip
- Division of Clinical ImmunologyDepartment of PathologyQueen Mary HospitalHong KongHong Kong
| | - Elaine Y. L. Au
- Division of Clinical ImmunologyDepartment of PathologyQueen Mary HospitalHong KongHong Kong
| | - Philip H. Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical ImmunologyDepartment of MedicineQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong
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Kan AKC, Li PH. Inactivated COVID-19 vaccines: potential concerns of antibody-dependent enhancement and original antigenic sin. Immunol Lett 2023; 259:21-23. [PMID: 37230399 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Inactivated vaccine is one of the platforms employed in COVID-19 vaccines. Inactivated vaccines have been associated with concerns of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) and original antigenic sin (OAS), which are related to non-neutralising or poorly neutralising antibodies against the pathogen. Since inactivated COVID-19 vaccines use whole-SARS-CoV-2 virus as the immunogen, they are expected to generate antibodies against non-spike structural proteins, which are highly conservative across variants of SARS-CoV-2. These antibodies against non-spike structural proteins have found to be largely non-neutralising or poorly neutralising in nature. Hence, inactivated COVID-19 vaccines could possibly be associated with ADE and OAS, especially as novel variants emerge. This article explores the potential concern of ADE and OAS in the context of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine, and outlines the future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Philip Hei Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Li TS, Hui HKS, Kan AKC, Yeung MHY, Wong JCY, Chiang V, Li PH. Prospective Assessment of Penicillin Allergy (PAPA): Evaluating the performance of penicillin allergy testing and post-delabelling outcomes among Hong Kong Chinese. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2023. [PMID: 37061932 DOI: 10.12932/ap-270922-1469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Incorrect penicillin 'allergy' labels predispose patients to adverse outcomes but are under-recognised in many Asian countries. Studies on performance and post-delabelling outcomes of penicillin allergy evaluation among Chinese remain scarce. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the diagnostic performance of allergy testing and post-delabelling outcomes among Chinese patients in a prospective penicillin allergy cohort - Prospective Assessment of Penicillin Allergy (PAPA). METHODS All adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who underwent penicillin allergy evaluation between January 2020 to December 2021 were recruited and prospectively reviewed by both medical records and individual interviews at least 6 months after delabelling or allergy confirmation. RESULTS Out of 372 patients who completed penicillin allergy evaluation, 335 (90%) patients were delabelled. The overall negative predictive value of penicillin skin testing was 95%, but lower for patients with non-immediate type reactions (88%). History of non-immediate symptom onset (OR = 4.501 [95%CI = 2.085-9.716], p < 0.001) and duration since index reaction (OR = 0.942 [95%CI = 0.899-0.987], p = 0.012) were associated with positive skin testing. After at least 6 months, 60 (18%) of de-labelled patients had received penicillins again without any adverse reactions. Fluoroquinolone-use was significantly lower among delabelled patients compared to those with penicillin allergy (38[11%] vs 11[30%], p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS After at least 6 months, one in six delabelled patients already received penicillins again safely, with significantly lower fluoroquinolone usage. None experienced adverse reactions. History of non-immediate onset and shorter duration since index reaction were associated with genuine allergy. In patients with severe non-immediate reactions, skin tests should be supplemented with thorough clinical history and adjunct diagnostic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tin Sum Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Harris K S Hui
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Maegan H Y Yeung
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jane C Y Wong
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Philip Hei Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Kan AKC, Yeung WWY, Lau CS, Li PH. Adult-onset Still's disease after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination presenting with severe myocarditis with acute heart failure and cardiogenic shock: a case report. Hong Kong Med J 2023; 29:162-164. [PMID: 36935111 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj2210110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A K C Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W W Y Yeung
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C S Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - P H Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Chun Kan AK, Siu Hui HK, Li TS, Chiang V, Yan Wong JC, Chan TS, Kit Kwan IY, Shum WZ, Chun Yeung MS, Ling Au EY, Kwan Ho CT, Lau CS, Li P. A Nurse-Led, Protocol-Driven Penicillin Allergy Evaluation from the Hong Kong Drug Allergy Delabelling Initiative: Effectiveness, Safety and Real-World Outcomes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.12.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Chiang V, To KKW, Hung IFN, Saha C, Yim JS, Wong JCY, Au EY, Chan TS, Kan AKC, Hong YD, Ye J, Ng CS, Ho CT, Lau CS, Lam TT, Chan EW, Quan J, Li PH. COVID-19 Vaccine Allergy Safety Track (VAS-Track) pathway: real-world outcomes on vaccination rates and antibody protection. Asian Pac J Allergy Immunol 2023. [PMID: 36592163 DOI: 10.12932/ap-110722-1410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misdiagnosed vaccine-related "allergies" lead to unnecessary vaccine deferrals and incomplete vaccinations, leaving patients unprotected against COVID-19. To overcome limitations and queues for Allergist assessment, the "VAS-Track" pathway was developed to evaluate patients via a multi-disciplinary triage model including nurses, non-specialists, and Allergists. OBJECTIVE We assessed the effectiveness and safety of VAS-Track and evaluate its real-world impact in terms of vaccination rates and COVID-19 protection. METHODS Patients referred to VAS-Track between September 2021 and March 2022 were recruited. Subgroup analysis was performed with prospective pre- and post-clinic antibody levels. RESULTS Nurse-assisted screening identified 10,412 (76%) referrals as inappropriate. 369 patients were assessed by VAS-Track. Overall, 100% of patients were recommended to complete vaccination and 332 (90%) completed their primary series. No patients reported any significant allergic reactions following subsequent vaccination. Vaccination completion rates between patients seen by non-specialists and additional Allergist review were similar (90% vs. 89%, p = 0.617). Vaccination rates were higher among patients with prior history of immediate-type reactions (odds ratio: 2.43, p = 0.025). Subgroup analysis revealed that only 20% (56/284) of patients had seropositive COVID-19 neutralizing antibody levels (≥ 15 AU/mL) prior to VAS-Track, which increased to 92% after vaccine completion (pre-clinic antibody level 6.0 ± 13.5 AU/mL vs. post-clinic antibody level 778.8 ± 337.4 AU/mL, p > 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A multi-disciplinary allergy team was able to streamline our COVID-19 VAS services, enabling almost all patients to complete their primary series, significantly boosting antibody levels and real-world COVID-19 protection. We propose similar multidisciplinary models to be further utilized, especially in the settings with limited allergy services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Kelvin Kai Wang To
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ivan Fan Ngai Hung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chinmoy Saha
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jackie Sh Yim
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jane Chi Yan Wong
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Elaine Yl Au
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Tik Suet Chan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yuh Dong Hong
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jiaxi Ye
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Carmen S Ng
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Carmen Tk Ho
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tommy Ty Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Esther Wy Chan
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jianchao Quan
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Philip Hei Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Kan AKC, Wong TTH, Chiang V, Lau CS, Li PH. Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria in Hong Kong: Clinical Characteristics, Real-World Practice and Implications for COVID-19 Vaccination. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res 2022; 15:32-42. [PMID: 36693356 PMCID: PMC9880305 DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.1.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The real-world management and clinical characteristics of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) in Hong Kong and its implications for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination are unknown. We investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with CSU and the role of an immunologist-led Urticaria Clinic as well as the impact of CSU on COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Hong Kong. METHODS Longitudinal clinical data of 257 CSU patients were collected and analyzed. Association analyses were performed to identify the relationships between variables and factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake. RESULTS After the immunologist review, the Weekly Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) was significantly lower than baseline (median: 0.00 vs. 12.0, P < 0.001). Changes in UAS7 were significantly greater among patients with baseline UAS7 ≥ 16 compared to those with UAS7 < 16 (median: -24.0 vs. -2.00, P < 0.001). CSU patients had lower COVID-19 vaccination rates than the general population with only 176 (68.5%) and 165 (65.0%) receiving at least one dose and 2 doses of vaccination, respectively. The presence of concomitant suspected drug allergy was associated with lower COVID-19 vaccine uptake (odds ratio [OR], 0.47; P = 0.010), while regular pharmacological treatment was associated with higher COVID-19 vaccine uptake among CSU patients (OR, 3.79; P = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS A dedicated immunologist-led Urticaria Clinic may effectively improve CSU management and outcomes in Hong Kong.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Thomas Tsz Hang Wong
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Philip Hei Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Chiang V, Kan AKC, Yim JSH, Lee E, Au EYL, Li PH. Disproportionate rate of female referrals for suspected COVID-19 vaccine allergies. Allergy 2022; 78:308-310. [PMID: 36125309 PMCID: PMC9538670 DOI: 10.1111/all.15522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of PathologyQueen Mary HospitalHong KongHong Kong
| | - Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong
| | - Jackie S. H. Yim
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong
| | - Elaine Lee
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong
| | - Elaine Y. L. Au
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of PathologyQueen Mary HospitalHong KongHong Kong
| | - Philip H. Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongHong KongHong Kong
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Kan AKC, Leung GMK, Chiang V, Au EYL, Lau CS, Li PH. Ten-year population trends of immunoglobulin use, burden of adult antibody deficiency and feasibility of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) replacement in Hong Kong Chinese. Front Immunol 2022; 13:984110. [PMID: 36591300 PMCID: PMC9795180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.984110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adult antibody deficiency remains under-recognised and under-studied - especially among Asian populations. Patterns of immunoglobulin use and the feasibility of subcutaneous immunoglobulin (SCIg) replacement among Chinese patients remains unclear. Objective To investigate the trends of immunoglobulin use, burden of adult antibody deficiency and the outcomes of patients on SCIg compared to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) replacement in Hong Kong through a retrospective observational study. Methods Population-wide data of immunoglobulin recipients in Hong Kong between 2012 and 2021, and longitudinal clinical data of adult immunodeficiency patients at Queen Mary Hospital were collected and analysed. Results Total immunoglobulin consumption and recurrent immunoglobulin recipients increased continuously from 175,512g to 298,514g (ρ=0.99, p<0.001) and 886 to 1,508 (ρ=0.89, p=0.001) between 2012-21 in Hong Kong. Among 469 immunoglobulin recipients at Queen Mary Hospital in 2021, 344 (73.3%) were indicated for replacement. Compared to those on IVIg (n=14), patients on SCIg replacement (n=8) had fewer immunodeficiency-related hospitalisations (IRR=0.11) and shorter duration of hospitalisation stay (IRR=0.10) per year, as well as better quality of life (SF-36v2 Health Survey and Life Quality Index). Estimated annual healthcare cost of SCIg replacement per patient was lower than that of IVIg (HKD196,850 [USD25,096] vs HKD222,136 [USD28,319]). Conclusion There was a significantly increasing burden of adult antibody deficiency and immunoglobulin consumption in Hong Kong. SCIg was feasible and more cost-effective when compared to IVIg, with SCIg patients experiencing better clinical outcomes and quality of life. Future prospective studies to confirm the long-term efficacy and superiority of SCIg are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Garret Man Kit Leung
- Division of Haematology, Medical Oncology and Haemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Valerie Chiang
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Elaine Yuen Ling Au
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Pathology, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Philip Hei Li
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Philip Hei Li,
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Lee CH, Kan AKC, Lui DTW, Fong CHY, Chan DSH, Yuen MMA, Chow WS, Woo YC, Xu A, Lam KSL. Prospective association of serum adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein with heart failure hospitalization in diabetes. ESC Heart Fail 2021; 8:3964-3974. [PMID: 34355511 PMCID: PMC8497330 DOI: 10.1002/ehf2.13472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (AFABP) is associated with cardiovascular diseases in type 2 diabetes. Whether circulating AFABP levels are associated with the risk of heart failure (HF) in type 2 diabetes remains undefined. We investigated the prospective association of circulating AFABP levels with incident HF hospitalization in type 2 diabetes, and its relationship to the use of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) which reduce HF risk. METHODS AND RESULTS Baseline serum AFABP level was measured in 3322 Chinese participants without known history of cardiovascular diseases or hospitalization for HF, recruited from the Hong Kong West Diabetes Registry. Its association with incident HF hospitalization was evaluated using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Use of SGLT2i was included as a time-dependent covariate. Among these 3322 participants (52.9% men; mean age 60.0 ± 12.6), 176 (5.3%) developed HF hospitalization over a median follow-up of 8 years. Seven hundred and thirty-one (22%) were started on SGLT2i during the study period (empagliflozin 55.1%, dapagliflozin 44.2%, canagliflozin 0.4%, and ertugliflozin 0.3%). Serum AFABP levels were significantly higher in participants who developed HF hospitalization than those who did not (men: 14.8 vs. 8.3 ng/mL; women: 21.5 vs. 14.6 ng/mL; all: 18.6 vs. 10.9 ng/mL, P < 0.001). In multivariable Cox regression analysis, baseline serum AFABP level was significantly associated with incident HF hospitalization [hazard ratio (HR) 1.38, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-1.80, P = 0.019] independent of the use of SGLT2i, in a model also consisting of age; sex; body mass index; smoking status; duration of diabetes; hypertension, dyslipidaemia; atrial fibrillation; presence of chronic kidney disease and albuminuria; glycated haemoglobin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels; and use of metformin, insulin, aspirin, furosemide, and beta-blockers at baseline. High cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD) of SGLT2i was protective of incident HF hospitalization (HR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.68, P = 0.019). The addition of circulating AFABP level to a clinical model of conventional HF risk factors provided significant improvement in the category-free net reclassification index (11.5%, 95% CI 1.6-22.1, P = 0.02) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.3%, 95% CI 0.1-1.7, P = 0.04). A dose-dependent reduction in cumulative incidence of HF hospitalization in response to SGLT2i, based on cDDD, was more clearly observed in participants with a higher baseline AFABP level above the sex-specific median (P for trend <0.01). CONCLUSIONS Circulating AFABP level is independently associated with incident HF hospitalization in type 2 diabetes and is potentially helpful in risk stratification for the prevention of HF hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Andy Ka Chun Kan
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - David Tak Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Carol Ho Yi Fong
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Darren Shing Hei Chan
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Michele Mae Ann Yuen
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Sun Chow
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Yu Cho Woo
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Aimin Xu
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Karen Siu Ling Lam
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Pokfulam, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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