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Two cases of anaphylaxis after laminaria insertion
Sang-Hoon Kim1, Yun-Hae Chang, Woo-Kyoung Kim
1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|December 17, 2003
Summary
Anaphylaxis, a rare but severe allergic reaction, can occur after laminaria insertion for cervical dilation. This hypersensitivity to laminaria is IgE-mediated and requires consideration in gynecologic procedures.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
Background:
- Laminaria tents, derived from sea kelp, are utilized for cervical dilation before elective pregnancy termination.
- Anaphylaxis following laminaria insertion is a rare but potentially life-threatening event.
Observation:
- Two cases of anaphylaxis are presented following laminaria insertion in women with prior abortions.
- Reactions manifested as urticaria, nausea, dyspnea, and hypotension.
Findings:
- Both patients exhibited positive skin test responses and elevated serum-specific IgE levels to laminaria extract.
- The anaphylaxis was confirmed as an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to laminaria.
Implications:
- Laminaria allergy has significant implications for gynecologic procedures.
- This allergy should be a key differential diagnosis for hypersensitivity reactions during such procedures.
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