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Two episodes of anaphylaxis following exposure to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose during cataract surgery
Sofie J Munk1, Steffen Heegaard, Holger Mosbech
1Eye Pathology Institute, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Unlabelled:
We report a case of immediate severe anaphylaxis to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) on 2 separate occasions during cataract surgery in a 71-year-old patient. Skin prick tests were positive for HPMC, a constituent of Ocucoat and Xylocaine gel, which were administered intraocularly during surgery. Skin prick tests were also positive for methylcellulose. Based on symptoms and clinical signs of anaphylaxis following 2 separate cataract operations together with positive prick tests to HPMC, HPMC is the most plausible cause of the reactions. The patient has since had uneventful surgery for a detached retina avoiding HPMC. This case stresses the importance of considering all medication given to patients as possible causes of an anaphylactic reaction.
Financial Disclosure:
No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
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