title: Anaphylaxis and immunologic insulin resistance in a diabetic woman with ketoacidosis.
abstract: A diabetic woman presented with diabetic ketoacidosis after demonstrating immediate-type hypersensitivity to heterologous insulin. She had had interrupted insulin therapy in the past. Insulin requirements during the course of treatment for the acidosis suggested marked resistance, with 50,000 U of insulin needed in the first 36 h. Anaphylaxis requiring intubation and emergency treatment developed after intravenous purified pork insulin was administered. Elevated titers of insulin-specific IgG (441.6 U/L serum) demonstrated immunologic insulin resistance. Positive intradermal skin tests for beef and pork insulins and detection of insulin-specific IgE by RAST assay revealed concurrent immediate-type allergy. A review of the literature revealed the unique occurrence in this patient of simultaneous ketoacidosis, insulin allergy, anaphylaxis, and immunologic resistance. Interrupted insulin therapy in susceptible individuals remains a potential danger, even with the availability of purified insulin preparations.
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000150:complications*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000032:analysis; D007328:Insulin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008875:Middle Aged; D012882:Skin Tests
chemical_list: D007328:Insulin; D007073:Immunoglobulin E