title: A world allergy organization international survey on diagnostic procedures and therapies in drug allergy/hypersensitivity.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the diagnostic and treatment modalities used in drug allergy/hypersensitivity among members of the World Allergy Organization (WAO).
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire comprising 39 questions was circulated electronically to member societies, associate member societies, and regional and affiliate organizations of WAO between June 29, 2009, and August 9, 2009.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighty-two responses were received. Skin testing was used by 74.7%, with only 71.4% having access to penicillin skin test reagents. In vitro-specific IgE tests were used by 67.4%, and basophil activation test was used by 54.4%. Lymphocyte transformation tests were used by 36.8% and patch tests by 54.7%. Drug provocation tests were used by 68.4%, the most common indication being to exclude hypersensitivity where history/symptoms were not suggestive of drug hypersensitivity/allergy (76.9%). Rapid desensitization for chemotherapy, antibiotics, or biologic agents was used by 69.6%. Systemic corticosteroid was used in the treatment of Stevens-Johnson syndrome by 72.3%, and high-dose intravenous immunoglobulins in toxic epidermal necrolysis by 50.8%. Human leukocyte antigen screening before prescription of abacavir was used by 92.9% and before prescription of carbamazepine by 21.4%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results of this survey form a useful framework for developing educational and training needs and for improving access to drug allergy diagnostic and treatment modalities across WAO member societies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Bernard Yu-Hor
authors.initials: BY
authors.lastname: Thong
authors.forename: Rita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mirakian
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castells
authors.forename: Werner
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pichler
authors.forename: Antonino
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Romano
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bonadonna
authors.forename: Deleanu
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Diana
authors.forename: Marek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kowalski
authors.forename: Anahi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yanez
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lleonart
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sanchez-Borges
authors.forename: Pascal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Demoly