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Anaphylactoid reaction after verteporfin therapy
Amish B Doshi1, Darius M Moshfeghi, Robert L Jack
1California Vitreoretinal Center, Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA.
American Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 29, 2005
Summary
Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) can cause anaphylactoid reactions. Physicians should monitor patients for these potentially severe, photosensitizing reactions after verteporfin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Dermatology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a treatment for exudative age-related macular degeneration.
- Patient safety during and after PDT requires careful consideration of potential adverse events.
Observation:
- An 80-year-old woman developed anaphylactoid symptoms including throat constriction, hand swelling, and shortness of breath 30 minutes post-verteporfin infusion.
- Symptoms were treated successfully with intravenous corticosteroids and antihistamines.
- Noninvasive pulse oximetry monitoring led to superficial finger burns and discoloration.
Findings:
- The patient experienced a severe anaphylactoid reaction attributed to verteporfin PDT.
- The reaction was noncardiac in origin and resolved without long-term sequelae.
- Photosensitivity reactions are a potential risk associated with verteporfin.
Implications:
- Physicians must be aware of the risk of anaphylactoid reactions following verteporfin PDT.
- Vigilance for photosensitizing adverse events is crucial for patient safety.
- Prompt recognition and management of anaphylactoid reactions are essential.