Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Objective
Immediate type I, type III, and delayed type IV hypersensitivity reactions to insulin are rare, but potentially serious complications of exogenous insulin administration required for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D).Methods
We present four cases of insulin hypersensitivity reactions occurring in youth with T1D and a literature review of this topic.Results
Insulin hypersensitivity reactions included types I, III, and IV with presentations ranging from localized urticaria, erythematous nodules, and eczematous plaques to anaphylaxis with respiratory distress. Reactions occurred in youth with newly diagnosed T1D and in those with long-standing T1D who were using both injection and insulin pump therapy. Multidisciplinary care involving pediatric endocrinology and allergy/immunology utilizing trials of many adjunct therapies yielded minimal improvement. Despite the use of various treatments, including antihistamines, topical therapies, immunosuppressant medications, desensitization trials, and intravenous immune globulin, cutaneous reactions, elevated hemoglobin A1c levels, and negative effects on quality of life remain persistent challenges. One patient became one of the youngest pancreas transplant recipients in the world at age 12 years due to uncontrollable symptoms and intolerable adverse effects of attempted therapies.Conclusion
Although rare, insulin hypersensitivity reactions negatively affect glycemic control and quality of life. These cases demonstrate the varying severity and presentation of insulin hypersensitivity reactions along with the limited success of various treatment approaches. Given the life-sustaining nature of insulin therapy, further studies are needed to better understand the underlying pathophysiology of insulin hypersensitivity and to develop targeted treatment approaches.
SUBMITTER: Alkhatib EH
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10624121 | biostudies-literature | 2023
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Alkhatib Einas H EH Grundman Jody B JB Adamusiak Anna M AM Bellin Melena D MD Brooks Joel P JP Buckley Kevin S KS Janssen Erin M EM Kitcharoensakkul Maleewan M McNerney Kyle P KP Pfeifer Thea L TL Polk Brooke I BI Marks Brynn E BE
Frontiers in endocrinology 20231020
<h4>Objective</h4>Immediate type I, type III, and delayed type IV hypersensitivity reactions to insulin are rare, but potentially serious complications of exogenous insulin administration required for the treatment of type 1 diabetes (T1D).<h4>Methods</h4>We present four cases of insulin hypersensitivity reactions occurring in youth with T1D and a literature review of this topic.<h4>Results</h4>Insulin hypersensitivity reactions included types I, III, and IV with presentations ranging from local ...[more]