Laboratory Investigation of Deaths Due to Anaphylaxis

To establish a useful laboratory protocol to investigate possible cases of fatal anaphylaxis, we measured mast-cell-derived tryptase levels and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels in sera obtained prior to or within 24 h after death from 19 anaphylaxis victims. Elevated serum tr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of forensic sciences 1991-05, Vol.36 (3), p.857-865
Main Authors: Yunginger, JW, Nelson, DR, Squillace, DL, Jones, RT, Holley, KE, Hyma, BA, Biedrzycki, L, Sweeney, KG, Sturner, WQ, Schwartz, LB
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Allergens - analysis
Anaphylaxis - diagnosis
Animals
Cause of Death
Child
Female
Food Hypersensitivity - diagnosis
Forensic pathology
Humans
Hymenoptera
Immunoglobulin E - analysis
Insect Bites and Stings
Male
Mast Cells - enzymology
Peptide Hydrolases - blood
Radioallergosorbent Test
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Summary:To establish a useful laboratory protocol to investigate possible cases of fatal anaphylaxis, we measured mast-cell-derived tryptase levels and allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibody levels in sera obtained prior to or within 24 h after death from 19 anaphylaxis victims. Elevated serum tryptase levels (range = 12 ng/mL to 150 μg/mL) were found in nine of nine Hymenoptera sting fatalities, six of eight food-induced fatalities, and two of two reactions to diagnostic/therapeutic agents. Tryptase levels were normal (
ISSN:0022-1198
1556-4029
DOI:10.1520/JFS13095J