[Bupivacaine-induced Anaphylaxis in a Parturient Undergoing Cesarean Section]

We describe a case of anaphylaxis that occurred in a 33-year-old gravida 1, para 1 term woman scheduled for cesarean delivery for breech presentation. Her past history was unremarkable except for orciprenaline allergy. Spinal anesthesia was performed at L3-4 using 2.5 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine and 0.1 mg morphine. Seven minutes after spinal anesthesia, she complained of hoarseness and difficulty in breathing and 3 minutes later, blood pressure decreased to 76/51 mmHg, and oxygen saturation to 87% with supplemental oxygen. Skin flushing was noted in the face and trunk of the body and anaphylaxis was diagnosed. She was treated with a rapid intravenous infusion and iv administration of phenylephrine (total dose 0.4 mg), ephedrine (total dose 25 mg), hydrocortisone and famotidine. Cesarean section was started 23 minutes after spinal anesthesia when blood pressure and oxygen saturation recovered. A male infant was delivered (18 minutes after the onset of anaphylactic event) with Apgar scores of 2 and 5 at 1 and 5 min, respectively and resuscitated with mask ventilation. Umbilical artery blood gas analysis revealed pH 6.85, base excess -20.3 mmol x l (-1) and lactate 109 mg x dl (-1). The mother was discharged from the hospital on the 6th postoperative day. The baby's electroencephalogram, however, demonstrated a pattern consistent with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Lymphocyte stimulation test revealed that she was allergic to bupivacaine. If maternal hypotension persists, i.m. or i.v. adrenaline should be administered immediately because maternal hypotension and hypoxemia may cause significant fetal morbidity and mortality and prompt cesarean section should be considered.