Acquired Donor Peanut Allergy From Lung Transplantation Resulting in Respiratory Failure: A Case Report

Transplant Proc. 2018 Dec;50(10):4085-4086. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.08.001. Epub 2018 Aug 9.

Abstract

This case report describes a patient who acquired a donor peanut allergy after lung transplantation. A 53-year-old woman with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency underwent left-sided lung transplant from a donor with a history of anaphylaxis to peanut. Two weeks after the transplant, the patient developed acute respiratory failure immediately after consuming a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The donor's serum confirmed high titers of peanut-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE). The recipient patient had never had allergies to peanuts or other nuts before her transplant. After the transplant, she had negative serology but positive skin testing to peanuts. This case illustrates the importance of considering donor food allergies when caring for solid organ transplant recipients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anaphylaxis / etiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / immunology
  • Lung Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Peanut Hypersensitivity / etiology*
  • Tissue Donors

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin E