title: Echinacea-associated anaphylaxis.
abstract: A woman with atopy experienced anaphylaxis after taking, among other dietary supplements, a commercial extract of echinacea. Hypersensitivity was confirmed by skinprick and RAST testing. Regular ingestion of echinacea by up to 5% of surveyed patients with atopy, combined with detection of echinacea-binding IgE in atopic subjects (19% by skin testing; 20% with moderate to strong reactivity by RAST testing), raises the possibility of severe allergic reactions, even with first-time use, due to cross-reactivity with other structurally similar allergens. Patients with atopy should be cautioned about the risk of developing life-threatening reactions to complementary medicines, including echinacea.
authors.affiliation: John James Medical Centre, Deakin. rmullins@racp.edu.au
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Mullins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000009:adverse effects; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D010936:Plant Extracts