Moderately severe anaphylactoid reaction to pentastarch (200/0.5) in a patient with acute severe asthma

The use of synthetic colloids for resuscitation and volume replacement is common in the intensive care unit. Although adverse reactions have been reported to colloid solutions, the incidence of severe reactions to the starch derivatives is low. We report a case of an anaphylactoid reaction to pentastarch (200/0.5) in a young asthmatic who received it as a fluid challenge in the intensive care unit. The pathogenesis and implications of such a reaction in an asthmatic are discussed.