NASAL PROVOCATION TESTS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF URTICARIA INDUCED BY ACETYLSALICYLIC-ACID

Nasal provocation tests with lysins acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) have be en used iii the diagnosis of ASA-induced asthma and rhinitis. To estab lish its possible role in identifying aspirin sensitivity manifested b y urticaria or angioedema, 18 patients suffering from chronic or acute recurring urticaria/angioedema (10 ASA-sensitive and 8 ASA-nonsensiti ve) were submitted to nasal provocation tests with freshly prepared so lutions of lysine ASA. Clinical response and variation of nasal expira tory peak-flow were evaluated, classified according to previously defi ned scores, and compared. The results showed a significant difference between ASA-sensitive and ASA-nonsensitive patients, suggesting that t his test can be an important diagnostic tool for ASA-induced urticaria /angioedema.