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Case report of an anaphylactoid reaction to arginine
David J Resnick1, Barney Softness, Allison R Murphy
1Department of Pediatrics, The Babies and Children's Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA. djr115@juno.com
Background:
Arginine is an agent commonly used to evaluate adequacy of growth hormone (GH) secretion. Because arginine is a simple amino acid, it is considered safe and rarely causes adverse reactions.
Objective:
To report the second anaphylactoid reaction to arginine in a child undergoing stimulation testing with arginine for assessing GH secretion.
Methods:
Allergy skin testing to arginine was performed with a protocol similar to penicillin testing 4 weeks after the anaphylactoid reaction.
Results:
Testing revealed a positive response to the arginine.
Conclusions:
The use of intravenous arginine as a test of GH reserve remains safe and effective, but it is prudent to have the equipment and medication available to treat an allergic reaction.