Search Results (211)

Background: Temporomandibular disorders are a generic term referred to clinical conditions involving the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint with multifactorial pattern and genetic background. The aim of this observational study was to investigate the correlation between craniomandibular disorders and the presence of occlusal alterations. A clinical evaluation of the occlusal and articular status of the patients was carried out, integrating the latter with the electromyographic recording the activity of the masseter and temporalis muscles. Methods: A clinical observational study on 20 adults assessed temporomandibular disorders using DC/TMD criteria, anamnesis, clinical exams, occlusal and electromyographic analyses. Occlusion was evaluated morphologically and functionally. Electromyography tested static/dynamic muscle activity. Data were statistically analyzed using t-tests and Pearson correlation (p < 0.05). Results: Electromyographic analysis revealed significant differences between subjects with and without visual correction, suggesting that visual input influences masticatory muscle activity. Correlations emerged between occlusal asymmetries and neuromuscular parameters. These findings highlight clinical implications for mandibular function, muscle symmetry, and the potential for therapeutic rebalancing through targeted interventions. Conclusions: The study demonstrates a significant correlation between visual–motor integration and masticatory muscle efficiency. It emphasizes lateralized neuromuscular activation’s influence on occlusal contact distribution. Moreover, it identifies mandibular torsion–endfeel inverse correlation as a potential diagnostic marker for craniomandibular dysfunctions via surface electromyography. Full article

Background/Objectives: Since breast cancer (BC) survival rates have increased to 91% at 5 years and 80% at 15 years postdiagnosis, there is a growing awareness of the importance of addressing the long-term well-being of patients. Consequently, integrative oncology, which combines standard therapies with complementary approaches (nutrition, mind–body practices, and lifestyle modifications), has emerged as a patient-centred model aimed at improving symptom management, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life (QoL). This study aims to demonstrate how integrative therapies can benefit body composition, phase angle, and fluid and electrolyte balance through bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Methods: This study considers a patient who underwent BC surgery and was enrolled in the AMICO clinic for anamnesis, as well as their oncological pathology data, assessment of QoL, and BIA. The breast surgeon specialising in integrative oncology therapies prescribed the patient curcumin and polydatin, moderate physical activity, a balanced diet, and Qigong sessions. The patient underwent monitoring through haematochemical analysis, BIA, and a QoL questionnaire, with follow-up every four months. Results: Between 4 and 12 months, fat mass (FM) and body mass index (BMI) markedly decreased, whereas fat-free mass (FFM), total body water (TBW), and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) increased progressively. Moreover, the improvements in the Na/K ratio and phase angle (PhA) suggest a shift toward better electrolyte and fluid balance and enhanced cellular integrity and membrane function. Equally outstanding were her psychological benefits in terms of mood, sleep, anxiety, and melancholy. Conclusions: Patient progress in body composition, metabolic function, pain management, and psychological status measured during the 12-month follow-up demonstrates the potential benefits of an integrative approach to supportive cancer care. Full article

Medical education is the paradigm of 21st century education and the current changes involve the adoption of integrative and comprehensive patient-centered teaching and learning approaches. Thus, curricular developers from George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences, and Technology of Targu Mures (G.E. Palade UMPhST of Targu Mures) have recently designed and implemented an innovative medical curriculum, as well as two valuable assessment tools for both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Thus, during the first three preclinical years, the students will benefit from an organ- and system-centered block teaching approach, while the clinical years will focus on enabling students to achieve the most important practical skills in clinical practice, based on a patient bedside teaching system. In terms of theoretical knowledge assessment, the UNiX center at G.E. Palade UMPhST of Targu Mures, a recently designed center endowed with the latest next-generation technology, enables individualized, secured multiple-choice question-based assessments of the student’s learning outcomes. Moreover, an intelligent assessment tool for practical skills was also recently implemented in our branch in Hamburg, the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (O.S.C.E). This system uses direct observations for testing the student’s practical skills regarding anamnesis, clinical exams, procedures/maneuvers, the interpretation of laboratory tests and paraclinical investigations, differential diagnosis, management plans, communication, and medical counselling. The integrative, comprehensive, patient-centered curriculum and the intelligent assessment system, implemented in G.E Palade UMPhST of Targu Mures, help define innovation in education and enable the students to benefit from a high-quality medical education. Full article

Background: Falls are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults and are influenced by comorbidities and polypharmacy. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their associated treatments are particularly prevalent in this population and may contribute to fall risk. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to examine the association between cardiovascular pharmacotherapy and fall risk in older adults and to identify potential preventive strategies. Methods: This observational case–control study was conducted between June and December 2024 and included 200 participants aged over 55 years who provided informed consent. Participants were assessed using the Downton Fall Risk Index and divided into two equal groups, with those at high risk of falling and controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment, including anamnesis, clinical evaluation, and laboratory testing focused on cardiovascular risk factors. The prevalence of CVD and the use of specific cardiovascular medications were analyzed. Results: Patients at high risk of falling showed significant differences compared to the control group in several parameters, including systolic blood pressure (SBP: 140.41 mmHg vs. 151.28 mmHg, p = 0.001), ankle brachial index (left ABI: 1.09 vs. 1.15., p = 0.033), and presence of cardiovascular diseases (p = 0.001), as well as total cholesterol (p = 0.005) and triglyceride levels (p = 0.047). Certain cardiovascular medications were significantly associated with increased fall risk, including spironolactone (OR = 4.10, p = 0.001), beta-blockers (OR = 1.88, p = 0.031), and calcium channel blockers (OR = 2.05, p = 0.014), especially in combination with one another. Additional risk factors included frailty, cognitive impairment, diabetes, and neurological or osteoarticular conditions. Interventions such as medication review, deprescribing, and dosage adjustments may help reduce fall risk without compromising cardiovascular disease management. Conclusions: Cardiovascular diseases and related pharmacotherapy are significantly associated with an increased risk of falls in older adults. Regular medication reviews, deprescribing where appropriate, and individualized treatment plans may help minimize fall risk while maintaining the effective cardiovascular care of this vulnerable population. Full article

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is a subtype of tinnitus characterized by a perception of heartbeat-synchronous sound. It represents approximately 5–10% of all tinnitus cases and may have either a vascular or non-vascular etiology. Accurate diagnosis is crucial due to the potentially serious implications this condition can entail. Assessment through anamnesis and physical examination may often suggest a diagnosis of PT, but it is rarely definitive. Therefore, a comprehensive and specific imaging diagnostic protocol is essential when evaluating PT. A lack of consensus has been identified regarding the use of a standardized protocol for both pulsatile and non-pulsatile tinnitus, whether unilateral or bilateral. Consequently, neuroradiologists, otologists, and otoneurologists from a tertiary hospital have developed a new imaging diagnostic protocol for PT. The aim of this article is to present an updated approach to the diagnostic and therapeutic management of PT, aiming to establish a protocol that serves as a guide for clinicians assessing this symptom. In patients with bilateral PT, systemic conditions leading to increased cardiac output should generally be ruled out; in unilateral cases, focused imaging studies should be performed to exclude organic etiologies at the cervical and cranial levels. Full article

Background: There are different types of obesity, and the metabolic conditions associated with these phenotypes are also heterogeneous. Overweight and obesity are not only associated with pain but are also identified as risk factors for the development of pain. Objective: This study aimed to compare the levels of inflammatory biomarkers, counting of immune cells, and chronic pain between android and gynoid female patients with obesity. Method: Thirty (n = 30) women took part in this study (18 androids, age: 50.61 ± 9.41 and 12 gynoids, age: 50.67 ± 9.45). The participants underwent anamnesis, Visual Numeric Scale (VNS), dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and blood sampling for the analysis of leukocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin (IL)-6. Results: The number of total leukocytes in the blood was not different when comparing the android group (6045 µL) with the gynoid group (5230 µL). No differences were observed for neutrophils (3440 µL in android and 3017 µL in gynoid), lymphocytes (2208 µL in android and 2115 µL in gynoid), for monocytes (429.7 µL in android and 392.8 µL in gynoid), and basophils (17.27 µL in android and 15.41 µL in gynoid). However, there was a significant difference between the number of eosinophils when comparing the android group (137.6 µL) with the gynoid group (204.9 µL), p = 0.04. Although both groups presented CRP values above 0.3 mg/dL—indicative of low-grade inflammation—no statistically significant difference was observed. Similarly, no difference was found in pain intensity between groups, as measured by the Visual Numeric Scale (VNS). Conclusions: Although most inflammatory and pain markers did not differ between groups, the higher eosinophil count in the gynoid phenotype suggests immunological distinctions between obesity types. These findings underline the importance of considering body fat distribution in clinical assessments of inflammation and chronic pain in women with obesity. Full article

Flexural deformities (FDs) are a common condition in foals. Therapy is typically initiated without a precise diagnosis, and the etiopathogenesis often remains unknown. This study aimed (1) to investigate the clinical and pathological findings in congenital FD cases in foals and (2) to retrospectively describe the abnormalities detected in muscle biopsies of foals affected by CFDs. For these purposes, a retrospective study of the findings of muscle biopsies taken from foals with FDs referred to the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production at the University of Naples Federico II was performed from January 2005 to February 2024. Anamnesis, physical examination, hematological and biochemical data, along with the findings of histopathological muscle biopsy analysis and follow-up, were recorded. The clinical records of 15 cases of FDs were evaluated. The main clinical symptoms included flexural limb deformities associated with weakness, torticollis and scoliosis, mandibular prognathism, and inferior eyelid entropion. The evaluation of histopathological reports allowed us to observe the following muscle disorders: Core-like myopathy, mild nonspecific myopathy, mitochondrial myopathy, congenital fiber type disproportion, lipid storage myopathy, lipomatous dystrophy, myopathy with inclusion bodies, polysaccharide storage myopathy, and neurogenic myopathy. Even though many cases of FDs were diagnosed through clinical examination and successfully treated, we hypothesize that different underlying etiologies may present with similar flexural symptoms. A better understanding of these underlying causes is, therefore, desirable. These findings suggest that histopathological analysis may be a valuable tool for investigating FDs in foals, although further studies are needed to evaluate the significance of the observed alterations. Full article

Background: Age-related vascular stiffening increases cardiovascular risk by altering ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC). Physical activity, a modifiable factor, may improve cardiovascular health. This pilot study evaluated the relationship between physical activity evaluation and VAC, measured by the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity to global longitudinal strain (cfPWV/GLS) ratio, in a Romanian primary care cohort. Methods: The prospective cohort analysis was performed on 81 adults (49 females, mean age 50.27 ± 12.93 years). Physical activity was quantified through anamnesis using metabolic equivalents (METs) according with Compendium of Physical Activities, and patients were stratified into four groups: G1 (METs < 1.5, n = 39), G2 (METs = 1.5–2.9, n = 2), G3 (METs = 3–5.9, n = 23), and G4 (METs ≥ 6, n = 17). Demographic and echocardiographic data were recorded to explore associations between physical activity and VAC. Results: The cfPWV/GLS ratio differed significantly across groups (p = 0.012), with the lowest values present in the moderate-intensity group (G3). VAC ≥ 0.391 can predict sedentary lifestyles (AUC = 0.730; CI: 0.617–0.833, p > 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, arterial age, and hypertension independently predict VAC. Conclusions: Higher physical activity is inversely associated with VAC (cfPWV/GLS ratio) and can predict sedentary lifestyles. Encouraging moderate-to-vigorous exercise in primary care may improve cardiovascular function and aid prevention. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the levels of Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) in maternal plasma and fetal cord blood plasma between pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE) and those in normotensive pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This prospectively designed study included 53 pregnant women aged 18 years or older and at least 20 weeks into gestation, who were admitted to the Maternity Department of Izmir Katip Çelebi University Atatürk Training and Research Hospital. The patient group consisted of 28 pregnant women who met the diagnostic criteria for PE, while the control group included 25 normotensive pregnant women. The diagnosis of PE was established based on the 2020 diagnostic criteria of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). After detailed anamnesis, blood samples were collected immediately after delivery in EDTA tubes to assess serum NRP-1 levels. These samples included maternal blood, fetal cord blood, and additional tests such as CBC, liver and kidney function tests, serum electrolytes, spot urinalysis, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of gestational week, presence of comorbidities, hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), history of PE, and protein detected in spot urine examinations. Pregnant women in the PE group had significantly higher rates of comorbidities, HT, and DM compared to the control group (p < 0.001, 0.002, and 0.007, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding hemoglobin, platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), or fetal cord plasma NRP-1 levels (p: 0.736, 0.831, 0.561, and 0.734, respectively). However, a statistically significant difference was found in maternal plasma NRP-1 levels (p: 0.02), which were lower in the control group compared to the PE group (median: 473.3 pg/mL vs. 587.7 pg/mL, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for maternal plasma NRP-1 to predict PE, with the best sensitivity and specificity, was determined to be 358.4 pg/mL. Among the study participants, 40 pregnant women had maternal plasma NRP-1 levels above the cut-off value, while 13 had levels below it. PE occurred significantly more frequently in the high NRP-1 group than in the low group. When demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed, a statistically significant but weak positive correlation was found between body mass index (BMI) and maternal plasma NRP-1 levels (p: 0.02, Rho: 0.304). No strong or statistically significant relationships were identified with other variables. There was no significant difference in fetal cord plasma NRP-1 levels between the PE group and the normotensive group. In contrast, maternal plasma NRP-1 levels were significantly higher in the PE group. The cut-off value for maternal plasma NRP-1, providing optimal sensitivity and specificity for predicting PE, remained 358.4 pg/mL. Conclusions: While further studies involving larger cohorts of pregnant women from diverse racial backgrounds and various hospitals are needed to better understand the relationship between NRP-1 and PE, maternal NRP-1 concentration shows promise as a diagnostic marker. Full article

Background: Drug allergies constitute a significant health concern among the elderly, with beta-lactam (BL) antibiotics among the most frequently implicated agents. Nevertheless, data regarding the safety and efficacy of BL allergy de-labeling in this population remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BL allergy assessment in a cohort of geriatric patients carrying BL allergy labels. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study, including patients aged >65 years who were referred for BL allergy evaluation at the Allergy Unit of Meir Medical Center. Patients underwent comprehensive anamnesis, skin testing, and, when indicated, oral challenge. Those successfully de-labeled were followed longitudinally to assess subsequent BL use and clinical outcomes. Results: Between 2009 and 2019, 166 elderly patients with suspected BL allergies were evaluated. A BL allergy was ruled out in 145 patients (87.3%). Sixteen patients (9.6%) were diagnosed with immediate-type hypersensitivity, 2.4% of patients had severe delayed-type hypersensitivity reactions, and one patient (0.6%) had a benign rash. The evaluation process was safe, with no severe reactions occurring during oral challenges, and no patient required hospitalization or epinephrine administration. A long-term follow up was available for 106 patients; among them, 38 (35.8%) received subsequent treatment with the previously suspected BL agent, without any reports of immediate or severe delayed reactions. Conclusions: Beta-lactam allergy de-labeling is safe and effective in the elderly and supports the critical role of allergy evaluation in this population. Enhanced awareness and implementation of de-labeling protocols in geriatric patients are warranted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sex and gender minorities (SGMs) include individuals who do not comply with sexual binarism and heteronormative standards. They represent a high-risk population for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and potential target of an HPV vaccine offer. This study investigates SGMs’ knowledge, awareness and vaccination attitude regarding HPV. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study. The target population was represented by SGMs living in Italy and using social media platforms of SGM rights associations. The study questionnaire was based on the literature and disseminated via said associations’ social media. It included items regarding knowledge and awareness, expressed as seven-point Likert scales, and questions about personal information, sexual anamnesis and vaccination attitude. Data collection started on 1 November 2023 and ended on 8 December 2023. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 177 people. Knowledge and awareness scores were generally high (45.98 ± 6.14 and 34.21 ± 4.62, respectively). Regarding attitude, 31.64% of participants reported being hesitant or refusing HPV vaccination, mainly due to prohibitive costs or low perception of the vaccine’s utility. Higher education was associated with a higher knowledge score (coeff.: 2.25; 95%CI: 0.69–3.82); likewise, a history of HPV-related lesions positively influenced the score (coeff.: 2.47; 95%CI: 0.20–4.75). The awareness score was only increased by a greater number of sexual partners (coeff.: 0.06; 95%CI: 0.01–0.11). Older age was proven to significantly increase the odd of vaccine hesitancy (OR: 1.07; 95%CI: 1.02–1.12). Conclusions: Despite a good level of knowledge and awareness, the study population manifested significant barriers to vaccination. The main ones were related to the vaccine’s cost and lack of medical information. Future efforts should focus on reinforcing vaccine offers to SGMs. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiovascular complications are the most common cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetic patients. Therefore, the aim of antidiabetic therapy should not only be to provide glucose regulation but also to protect patients from complications and related mortality. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a peptide secreted as a result of myocardial stress. BNP levels increase under conditions of increased myocardial stress, such as heart failure. It is an important marker not only at the time of diagnosis but also during follow-up. In our study, we aimed to evaluate BNP levels and thus, the factors affecting the risk of developing heart failure during the course of diabetes. Methods: This study was conducted at the diabetes outpatient clinic of the University of Health Sciences, Haseki Training and Research Hospital. A total of 252 patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. All study participants were patients with a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Laboratory parameters, including BNP values, comorbidities, and anamnesis data, were recorded. Results: The mean BNP levels were significantly lower in patients using metformin and pioglitazone. Other antidiabetic medications were not associated with BNP levels. BNP levels were positively correlated with age and diabetes duration and negatively correlated with hemoglobin levels. According to regression analysis, age, metformin use, and hemoglobin levels were found to independently affect BNP levels. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that metformin could potentially play a significant role in preventing the development of heart failure in diabetic patients currently not experiencing this complication owing to its favorable effects on myocardial stress. This suggests metformin’s potential in preventing heart failure in type 2 diabetic patients. Full article

Objectives: Syncope is a common cause of the transient loss of consciousness, with neurally mediated syncope (NMS) and particularly vasovagal syncope (VVS) being the most prevalent types among older children and adolescents. VVS is primarily caused by heightened parasympathetic activity triggered by emotional or postural stimuli, resulting in a temporary disruption of circulation. Although anamnesis and physical examination play key roles in diagnosing VVS, additional diagnostic methods are necessary in unclear cases. This study aims to evaluate the long-term outcomes of pediatric patients with syncope, focusing on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 455 pediatric patients aged 8–21 years who presented with syncope at our cardiology clinic between 2005 and 2023. Patients diagnosed with cardiac syncope, epilepsy, or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) were excluded. The remaining 283 patients were categorized into two groups: those with confirmed VVS—based on a comprehensive evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and electrocardiography—and those suspected of VVS who lack a confident diagnosis after an initial assessment requiring tilt table testing. Clinical features, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: The study cohort had a mean age of 13.5 ± 1.6 years, with a female predominance of 69%. Among patients who underwent tilt table testing (TTT), 74.8% exhibited a positive response, with mixed-type syncope being the most prevalent (51%). Syncope recurrence was significantly higher in the TTT group (54%) compared to the clinically diagnosed group (15%) (p < 0.001). Relapse risk was strongly associated with the syncope subtype, particularly cardioinhibitory type 2B (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.1–4, p < 0.01), and episode frequency (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.5, p = 0.03). Beta-blocker therapy was selectively administered and demonstrated a reduced relapse risk in a univariate analysis. Conclusions: VVS is a significant health issue in pediatric patients and the therapeutic modalities available encompass various interventions, including modifications to lifestyle, adequate hydration, and pharmacological therapies. TTT was found to be an effective diagnostic tool for identifying high-risk patients and is recommended for appropriate cases in pediatric VVS diagnosis in accordance with the guidelines, with the objective of refining therapeutic methodologies and ultimately augmenting patient prognoses. Full article

Background: The optimal treatment decision for pediatric condylar fractures is influenced by various factors, including the child’s age, fracture type, degree of displacement, and the presence of concomitant injuries. While non-surgical treatments are generally preferred due to high remodeling capacity in children, there remains a lack of comprehensive research comparing the long-term outcomes of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) versus conservative management. Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of 71 pediatric patients (aged 0–18 years) treated for condylar fractures at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Rambam Healthcare Campus, between 2010 and 2020 was completed. Gender, age, admission date, cause of injury, treatment methods, length of hospital stay, follow-up duration, and follow-up status were studied to help determine association with modality of treatment and complications. Results: No statistically significant differences were seen in complication rates across different age groups, genders, trauma etiologies, fracture sites (head/neck/base), laterality of fractures, nor was there an impact on choice of surgical vs. conservative intervention. Similar length of hospital stay was observed, even in cases with delayed surgical intervention. There was also no statistical significance of injury distribution based on socioeconomic standing. Conclusions: Our research showed similar rates of complications in both surgically treated and conservatively treated cases. This solidifies the importance of practitioner experience, as well as comprehensive anamnesis to help caretakers most effectively determine the optimal treatment for each patient. As the surgical study group is substantially smaller than the conservatively treated group, large-scale prospective studies with extended follow-up will more conclusively help solidify results and establish guidelines. Full article

Background and Objectives: Early-type drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are observed within the first 1–6 h and most commonly manifest as urticaria and/or angioedema. Detailed anamnesis, skin prick tests (SPTs), intradermal tests (IDTs), and oral/intramuscular/intravenous drug provocation tests (DPTs) can be used to identify the drug responsible. We aimed to evaluate the demographic characteristics, responsible drugs, DHR types, and DPT results used in the diagnosis of drug allergy in patients who presented to our clinic with suspected drug allergies. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who presented with a suspicion of an early-type DHR between February 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively evaluated through the hospital information management system. A total of 188 adults who underwent diagnostic drug testing were included. Results: The diagnosis of drug allergy was confirmed in 51 (27%) patients. In 137 (73%) patients, the diagnosis of drug allergy was excluded after DPTs. In 78 of the 188 patients, there was a DHR to a single suspected drug. The other 110 patients had DHR histories with multiple drugs. The rate of confirmation of a drug allergy from diagnostic tests was higher in those who described a history of multiple drug allergies. Amongst the antibiotics, beta-lactam antibiotics (n = 47) were the most frequently suspected drugs. The rate of positive DPTs (n = 4; 8%) was lower in patients with suspected beta-lactam allergies than other antibiotics (p = 0.002). NSAIDs (n = 60) were the second most common group of suspected drug allergies. With regard to IgE or COX-1-mediated mechanisms, there was no statistically significant difference in DPT positivity among these NSAIDs (p = 0.414). The severity of the initial early-type DHRs were grade 1 (n = 168; 80%), grade 2 (n = 14; 7%), and grade 3 (n = 14; 7%). If the patients had redness, itching, urticaria, angioedema, dyspnea, cyanosis, desaturation, syncope, tachycardia, or hypotension during their initial DHRs, the positive diagnostic drug test rate was statistically significantly higher. However, experiencing diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting were not found to be associated with positive diagnostic drug tests. Drug allergies were confirmed with SPTs or IDTs in all patients in whom adrenaline was used during initial reactions. Conclusions: Contrary to the prevailing notion that drugs (especially beta-lactams) are the predominant cause of allergic reactions, this study demonstrated that the actual prevalence of drug allergies is, in fact, low. Full article