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Suspected anaphylactic reaction associated with microemulsion propofol during anesthesia induction
Se Jin Lee1, Soon Im Kim, Bo Il Jung
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Journal of Korean Medical Science
|July 13, 2012
Summary
Intraoperative anaphylaxis, a rare but serious reaction to microemulsion propofol, can cause cardiovascular shock. Prompt treatment with epinephrine and steroids is crucial for patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Intraoperative anaphylaxis is a rare but life-threatening complication during anesthesia.
- Aquafol®, a microemulsion propofol, was developed to mitigate lipid solvent-related adverse events.
- Limited data exists on severe side effects, including anaphylaxis, associated with microemulsion propofol since its clinical use in 2009.
Observation:
- A healthy 16-year-old male experienced cardiovascular shock and generalized erythema after receiving microemulsion propofol during anesthesia induction.
- The patient had no prior complications in two previous operations.
Findings:
- The patient's condition stabilized after intravenous administration of epinephrine and steroids.
- Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged without further issues.
Implications:
- Anesthesiologists should be vigilant for rare anaphylactic reactions to propofol emulsions.
- Consideration of propofol-induced anaphylaxis is critical during anesthesia induction.
- This case highlights the importance of prompt recognition and management of severe adverse drug reactions in surgical settings.
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