Anaphylaxis during general anaesthesia

Abstract

Perioperative anaphylactic reactions are potential life-threatening immediate hypersensitivity reactions which are unrelated to the drug's pharmacological characteristics and correspond to immune-mediated allergic and non-immune-mediated so-called "pseudo-allergic or anaphylactoid" reactions. Their incidence and associated morbidity and mortality remain poorly defined. Perioperative anaphylaxis is becoming more common, probably due to more frequent use of general anaesthesia and the increasing complexity of the drugs employed. Moreover, current epidemiological data should be carefully evaluated since published studies relate to non-homogeneous populations and used differing definitions of drug hypersensitivity. Recognition and immediate treatment are particularly important because anaesthetized patients are at greater risk for adverse outcomes caused by physiological effects of anaesthesia. Several reports indicate that the relative risk of allergic reactions may vary with time, depending on changes in clinical practice as well as several environmental factors. Vigilance for signs of anaphylaxis and consideration of the risk factors, with possible modification of the agents used, are likely to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these reactions and socio-economic costs. © 2013 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.