International Journal of Cardiology
Volume 143, Issue 3 , Pages 223-226, 3 September 2010

Treatment of Kounis syndrome

  • Cihan Cevik

      Affiliations

    • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Lubbock, TX, United States
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Lubbock, TX, 3601 4th Street, 79430, United States. Tel.: +1 806 7433155; fax: +1 806 7433148.
    • ,
  • Kenneth Nugent

      Affiliations

    • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Lubbock, TX, United States
    • ,
  • Goutam P. Shome

      Affiliations

    • Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Lubbock, TX, United States
    • ,
  • Nicholas G. Kounis

      Affiliations

    • Department of Medical Sciences, Patras Highest Institute of Education and Technology, Queen Olgas Square, Patras 26221, Greece

Received 3 February 2010; accepted 14 February 2010. published online 08 March 2010.

Abstract 

Kounis syndrome is potentially a life-threatening medical emergency with both a severe allergic reaction and acute coronary syndrome. Most of the information about this syndrome has come from the case reports. The management of these patients may be challenging for clinicians, and unfortunately guidelines have not been established yet. In this article, we review the current guidelines of acute coronary syndromes and anaphylaxis along with the published cases with Kounis syndrome secondary to beta-lactam antibiotics. We have summarized our recommendations for the work-up and treatment of Kounis syndrome from available data. Obviously, larger prospective studies are needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines for these patients.

Keywords: Kounis syndrome, Allergy, Acute coronary syndrome

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PII: S0167-5273(10)00107-5

doi:10.1016/j.ijcard.2010.02.040

International Journal of Cardiology
Volume 143, Issue 3 , Pages 223-226, 3 September 2010

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