Compartment allergy

Term for the allergological phenomenon of an "organ-limited" application-dependent allergy manifestation. Exemplary is the heparin allergy with allergic, dermatitic reactions at the injection sites. These patients tolerate intravenous heparin administration despite "cutaneous" sensitization. Purely theoretically, a hematogenic "contact allergic dermatitis" would be expected.

In contrast to subcutaneous injection, heparin molecules remain in the blood circulation after intravenous administration or are rapidly excreted, but do not lead to a dermatitic inflammation phenomenon at the injection sites.

This special feature of an application-dependent allergy manifestation is also observed with thiomersal (skin contact vs. intramuscular vaccination), nickel (skin contact vs. orthopaedic implants).

1. Trautmann A (2006) Heparin allergy: Late type allergy to subcutaneous heparin injection. Allergo J 15: 501-506
2. Trautmann A (2006) Allergy to Heparin s.c. What are the alternatives to thrombosis prophylaxis? dermatology 22:311, 314, 316-317
3. Trautmann A (2018) Heparin allergies - recommendations for diagnostics and patient management... Allergo J Int 27: 122-125
4. Weberschock T et al (2010) The risk of cross-reactions in type IV allergies to s.c. Heparin preparations: A systematic review. Abstract CD 46 DDG meeting: P02/01.