[Diagnosis of drug allergies related to anesthesia and surgery]

Drug allergies are increasingly common. They may occur in 5-10 p. 100 of patients treated with drugs. From a diagnostic standpoint, the problem is a complex one, many aspects of which are still poorly understood. This is particularly true with regard to the nature of the antigenic determinants and their vectors. Allergic reactions in patients submitted to anaesthesia and surgery represent a very particular case of the situation. A study of the immune status of such patients was undertaken and revealed that T lymphocyte depression, lasting from one to three weeks, often occurs. It is important to take this concept into account when choosing laboratory tests designed to substantiate the diagnosis. Several examples are presented and discussed.