title: Cellular in vitro diagnosis of adverse drug reactions.
abstract: Adverse drug reactions can manifest clinically in a variety of ways. Whilst the majority can be explained by dose-dependent side effects, there is group of unpredictable immunological or non-immunological intolerances that represent a particular diagnostic challenge. Skin tests are frequently negative, whilst challenge tests are time-consuming and often hazardous. Against this backdrop, cellular in vitro tests play a particularly important role in the identification of the causative drug. Whilst basophil tests can be used in the case of immunoglobulin E (IgE)- as well as non-IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reactions, T-cellular test methods assist in the diagnosis of drug eruptions. The reliability of individual tests can be affected by a variety of parameters, such as the pathomechanism underlying the drug reaction, the causative medication, or the point in time of testing. Not only is a sound knowledge of the basic principles of the individual assays an essential prerequisite for correctly indicating and interpreting this test method, but also an awareness of these additional factors.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Allergy Center Hessen, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Möbs
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Allergy Center Hessen, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany ; Clinical & Experimental Allergy, Allergy Center Hessen, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University Marburg, Baldingerstraße, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Wolfgang
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Pfützner
keywords: Basophils; Drug allergy; In vitro tests; T-lymphocytes