title: Polyethylene glycol as a cause of anaphylaxis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) or macrogols are polyether compounds and are widely used as additives in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report on a Caucasian patient experiencing recurrent severe allergic reactions to several drugs. An extensive diagnostic workup including skin prick tests, intradermal tests (IDT) and a double-blind oral challenge was performed to identify the trigger of anaphylaxis. In the present case hypersensitivity to the additive polyethylene glycol was confirmed by an IDT suggesting an Immunoglobulin E-dependent mechanism as a cause of the reaction.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Potential life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions to hidden molecules like macrogol may be underdiagnosed. Cases of immediate-type PEG hypersensitivity were reported with increasing frequency. The awareness regarding the allergenic potential of PEG should be raised and a proper product labelling is crucial to prevent PEG mediated hypersensitivity.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Katharina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wylon
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Dölle
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: Margitta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Worm
keywords: Anaphylaxis; Drug additives; Hypersensitivity; Macrogol; Polyethylene glycol