Alpha-gal Syndrome and Impact on Patient Safety cover art

Alpha-gal Syndrome and Impact on Patient Safety

Alpha-gal Syndrome and Impact on Patient Safety

Listen for free

View show details

Summary

 Alpha-gal syndrome is an emerging and often underrecognized allergy triggered by a tick bite that can cause delayed reactions to red meat and mammalian-derived products. In this episode, host Stacy Lauderdale is joined by clinical experts Zack Stacy and Kyna Henrici to unpack the science behind alpha-gal, its implications in healthcare settings, and the operational challenges providers face in managing this complex condition. Guest Speakers: Zachary Stacy, Pharm.D., MS, FCCP, BCPS Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Surgery BJC Health Kyna Henrici, RN Medical Evidence Director - Cardiovascular Vizient, Inc. Host: Stacy Lauderdale, Pharm.D., BCPS AVP, Evidence-Based Medicine Vizient, Inc. 00:05 – Introduction Podcast introduction and welcome to VerifiedRx 00:14 – What is alpha-gal syndrome Overview of alpha-gal syndrome Delayed allergic reactions after eating red meat Often linked to tick bites 00:48 – Meet the Guests Zack Stacy, clinical pharmacy specialist Kyna Henrici, medical evidence director 01:10 – Understanding the Allergy Alpha-gal is a carbohydrate in nonprimate mammals that can trigger an allergy in humans Key difference is delayed reaction timing Symptoms are not always easy to trace 01:32 – How It Develops Triggered by tick bites Immune system produces IgE antibodies Oral exposure to alpha-gal leads to delayed reactions IV exposure to alpha-gal can cause immediate reactions 02:17 – Prevalence and Diagnosis Challenges More common in Midwest and southern United States Likely underdiagnosed Often mistaken for general food allergies Allergy may fade over time 03:07 – Risks in Healthcare Settings Patient safety concerns beyond food Mammalian components in medications and devices Examples include heparin and surgical materials 03:44 – Hidden Medication Risks Inactive ingredients can be animal derived Examples include glycerin, lactose, amino acids, stearates Difficult to identify and track 04:42 – Lack of Transparency No centralized ingredient database Sourcing can change frequently Variability across manufacturers and batches 05:33 – Screening in Surgical Settings Medication review at NDC level Identification of active and inactive ingredients May require contacting manufacturers 06:45 – Timing Challenges Urgent procedures limit investigation time Manufacturer responses may take days Alternative medications often needed 07:14 – Identifying At Risk Patients Many patients are unaware they have alpha-gal syndrome Screening includes questions about dairy tolerance Three patient categories used for evaluation 08:32 – Using Dairy as a Screening Tool Dairy tolerance helps guide risk level Food exposure typically higher than medication exposure Determines need for deeper review 09:12 – Managing Emergencies Focus shifts from avoidance to risk mitigation Use of team communication and clear documentation Preparation for unavoidable exposure 10:03 – Prevention and Preparedness Stock alpha-gal safe medications when possible Prepare for allergic reactions with standard treatments 10:47 – Team Based Care Approach Collaboration across care teams is essential Premedication strategies may be used Close monitoring for reactions 11:11 – Gaps in Care Limited visibility into product ingredients Need for better labeling and transparency 11:33 – Need for Standardization Call for clearer guidance and clinician education Desire for centralized resource for medication ingredients 12:24 – Monitoring Challenges CDC tracking decreased after privatization of testing Cases likely still increasing 12:53 – Closing Remarks Links and Resources: Alpha-gal Syndrome | Alpha-gal Syndrome | CDC Subscribe Today! Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube RSS Feed
adbl_web_anon_alc_button_suppression_c
No reviews yet