A Pharmacologic Review of Anaphylaxis

Abstract

Anaphylaxis occurs in the surgical population and may have devastating consequences. Anaphylaxis and anaphylactoid reactions are immediate hypersensitivity reactions that are most commonly precipitated by medications, insect stings, and foods. In the surgical population, 47.4% of immediate hypersensitivity reactions were precipitated by neuromuscular blocking agents, followed by latex and antibiotics in 20% and 18.1% of cases, respectively. Initial treatment consists of removing the precipitating trigger, administering epinephrine, and correct patient positioning. Secondary prevention measures should be instituted to prevent future occurrences. All health care professionals should have an understanding of the clinical presentation and medical management of anaphylaxis to improve patient outcomes.

Anaphylaxis in the 21st century: phenotypes, endotypes, and biomarkers

“…Latex in gloves, condoms, and surgical materials has been shown to induce anaphylaxis, 174 and cross-reactivity has been demonstrated with fruit allergens. 175 In a recent publication, which looked at patients undergoing surgical procedures, latex was reported as the second most common cause of anaphylaxis (20%) after neuromuscular blocking agents (47%), 176 and the risk increases with exposure. 177 …”