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IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction to lignocaine - a case report
A Noormalin1, M Shahnaz, M Rosmilah
1Allergy & Immunology Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research, Kuala Lumpur.
Tropical Biomedicine
|August 3, 2006
Summary
A rare case of immediate hypersensitivity to the local anesthetic lignocaine (also known as lidocaine) was observed in a 7-year-old girl following dental injection. Allergy was confirmed via skin prick tests and specific Immunoglobulin E detection.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Lignocaine (lidocaine) is a widely utilized local anesthetic agent.
- Type I hypersensitivity reactions to lignocaine are infrequently reported in medical literature.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old female patient experienced immediate left-sided facial swelling post-lignocaine injection.
- Skin prick testing revealed positive reactions to both pure lignocaine hydrochloride and lignocaine dental gel.
Findings:
- Specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies against lignocaine were identified in the patient's serum.
- The diagnostic tests confirmed a Type I hypersensitivity reaction to lignocaine.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for rare but serious allergic reactions to common local anesthetics.
- Increased awareness and diagnostic vigilance for lignocaine allergy are crucial in clinical practice.
- Further research into the mechanisms and prevalence of lignocaine hypersensitivity may be warranted.
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