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Danish Anaesthesia Allergy Centre - preliminary results.
L H Garvey1, J Roed-Petersen, T Menné
1Department of Anaesthesiology, Gentofte University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark. daac@gentoftehosp.kbhamt.dk
Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica
|December 12, 2001
Summary
Investigating anaphylactoid reactions in anesthesia is crucial. Our specialized center found fewer neuromuscular blocking drug allergies and more chlorhexidine allergies, particularly in severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Immunology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Anaphylactoid reactions during anesthesia are rare but require specialized investigation.
- A dedicated center was established at Gentofte University Hospital in 1998.
- This center is a collaboration between the Departments of Anesthesiology and Dermatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the methodology and diagnostic algorithm of a specialized center for investigating anaphylactoid reactions.
- To report preliminary results from patient investigations.
- To compare findings with existing literature in the field.
Main Methods:
- Patients referred from across Denmark are investigated using a standardized protocol.
- Reactions are classified by severity (three-grade scale).
- Diagnostic methods include in vitro testing (serum tryptase, specific IgE) and skin testing (prick and intradermal tests) for various suspected allergens.
Main Results:
- 36 out of 68 referred patients completed investigations.
- Positive test results correlated with reaction severity.
- Key findings include positive specific IgE to penicillin (3), latex (2), and thiopental (1).
- 21 patients had positive skin tests, with 4 men experiencing anaphylactic shock testing positive for chlorhexidine.
- Only one patient tested positive for a neuromuscular blocking drug (NMBD).
Conclusions:
- Preliminary results indicate a lower incidence of neuromuscular blocking drug (NMBD) allergies than typically reported.
- A notable finding is the higher-than-expected rate of chlorhexidine-induced anaphylactic shock.
- These findings suggest potential differences in allergen prevalence or diagnostic approaches.