Histaminoid reactions associated with rocuronium

Abstract

We describe three histaminoid reactions occurring on induction of anaesthesia. The patients were all resuscitated successfully and subsequent skin testing suggested sensitivity to rocuronium. In this hospital, the incidence of such reactions is of the order of 1 in 3000. This may be coincidental but suggests that there should be close monitoring of the incidence of reactions to rocuronium. Review of the cases suggests that current guidelines on management are not always followed.