[Latex-induced anaphylactic reaction in a patient undergoing open appendectomy. Case report]

Despite the increase of latex allergy in general population, severe anaphylactic events during some surgical procedures are still rare; however, they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients affected by this event represent a challenge for anesthesiologists. The objective of this report was to describe a case of severe latex induced anaphylactic reaction and discuss its diagnosis and treatment.

This is a 39-year-old Caucasian female patient, with a diagnostic suspicion of appendicitis, who underwent an emergency surgery under spinal anesthesia. Approximately 30 minutes after beginning the surgery, the patient developed an anaphylactic reaction with cardiorespiratory arrest, which was reversed after treatment. Possible causative agents were isolated and, posteriorly, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit, evolving without sequelae. Latex-specific IgE-RAST (Radioallergosorbent Test) was positive. The patient was referred to an allergist for follow-up.

Anesthesiologists should focus on patient's history, even in urgent procedures, being aware of the limitations arising on these situations. The prognosis of anaphylaxis depends on prompt initiation of adequate treatment; diagnosis is not limited to the event occasion, but to the determination of the causative factor. Creating the means of following-up these patients, similar to other international centers, seems to be the example to be followed.