Anaphylaxis after administration of amikacin containing sodium metabisulfite in a premature newborn

Anaphylaxis is a serious systemic hypersensitivity reaction that is rapid in onset and can cause death. Premature newborns, whose immunological system is immature, are less likely to develop anaphylaxis. Administration of amikacin, containing sodium metabisulfite, to a 3-day-old premature newborn, induced a near fatal anaphylaxis. After suspicion of sepsis, the baby was started on amikacin. Clinical improvement was observed after initiation of treatment. On the third day of treatment with amikacin, the newborn suddenly developed tachypnea, tachycardia, angioedema and cyanosis. Anaphylaxis was diagnosed and treated. Latent reaction occurred after one hour of clinical improvement. The baby was intubated immediately. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency; therefore the clinicians should have a rapid and careful assessment about this potentially fatal reaction. Even after successful treatment of anaphylaxis, the patient should be under observation for 72 hours because of the possibility of a biphasic reaction.