title: Aspirin hypersensitivity and desensitization protocols: implications for cardiac patients.
abstract: Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is an important therapy for many cardiology patients but hypersensitivity to this drug affects around 1% of the population and intolerance may affect up to 20%. While alternative medications to aspirin are available, in many cases there is a compelling need for aspirin therapy. In these patients, aspirin desensitization may be considered. However, this is a complex issue with a lack of international standardization. This article reviews the available evidence for aspirin desensitization and provides practical advice for the management of these patients.
authors.affiliation: NHS Highland, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, UK.
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lambrakis
authors.affiliation: Highland Clinical Research Facility, Centre for Health Science, Inverness, UK.
authors.forename: Gordon F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Rushworth
authors.affiliation: NHS Highland, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, UK.
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Adamson
authors.affiliation: Consultant Cardiologist, Cardiac Unit, Raigmore Hospital, Inverness IV2 3UJ, and University of Stirling, Highland Campus, Old Perth Road, Inverness IV2 3JH, UK.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Leslie
keywords: acetylsalicylic acid; allergy; aspirin; desensitization; hypersensitivity
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