Anaphylactic reaction with avitene: a pediatric case report

Anaphylaxis is an unanticipated severe allergic reaction that can occur during a surgical procedure. A patient is exposed to myriad foreign substances during surgery, such as anesthetic drugs, blood products, and surgical materials, including a commonly used hemostatic agent called Avitene Microfibrillar Collagen Hemostat. Anaphylaxis is the most severe immune-mediated reaction, and it generally occurs on reexposure to a specific antigen. This case report details a case of an acute anaphylactic reaction in a 10-year-old boy presumed to be from Avitene used during a routine ear, nose, and throat surgery. There will be a discussion of the mechanism and management of anaphylaxis as well as a brief overview of hemostasis and hemostatic agents. Education of anesthesia providers and the surgical team may enable early detection and management of anaphylactic reactions that may improve patient outcomes and save lives.