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Midazolam anaphylaxis during general anesthesia: A case report
Yeon Su Jeon1, JinWoo Shim, Eun Hwa Jun
1Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, St's Vincent Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Rationale:
Midazolam is known as a safe drug and is widely used as a sedative and an anesthetic adjuvant. Therefore, there is a lack of awareness that midazolam can cause anaphylaxis. Midazolam anaphylaxis is rare, and only a few cases have been reported, but such a risk is always present. In this study, we report a case of midazolam anaphylaxis by an intravenous injection, in the prone position, during general anesthesia.
Patient Concerns:
A 62-year-old woman was intravenously administered 1 mg midazolam during general anesthesia, and sudden severe hypotension, bronchospasm, decreased oxygen saturation, erythema, and diarrhea occurred.
Diagnosis:
Midazolam anaphylaxis was presumptively diagnosed by clinical symptoms and was confirmed by an intradermal test after 9 weeks.
Interventions:
The patient was treated with 100% oxygen, large volume of fluid, epinephrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, dexamethasone and prednisolone, ranitidine, and flumazenil.
Outcomes:
Severe hypotension and decreased oxygen saturation were resolved within 20 minutes of the onset of anaphylaxis, and the patient was discharged after 3 days without any sequelae.
Lessons:
Midazolam anaphylaxis is very rare, but it can happen always. Therefore, the possibility of anaphylaxis due to midazolam should be considered and always be prepared for treatment.
Insights
Midazolam, a common sedative, can rarely cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and preparing for midazolam-induced anaphylaxis during anesthesia.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Allergy and Immunology
Background:
- Midazolam is widely used as a sedative and anesthetic adjuvant, generally considered safe.
- Awareness of midazolam's potential to cause anaphylaxis is limited due to its rarity.
- This study reports a case of midazolam-induced anaphylaxis during general anesthesia.
Observation:
- A 62-year-old woman developed sudden severe hypotension, bronchospasm, decreased oxygen saturation, erythema, and diarrhea after intravenous midazolam administration.
- The patient was in the prone position under general anesthesia at the time of the reaction.
Findings:
- Midazolam anaphylaxis was initially diagnosed based on clinical presentation.
- Confirmation was achieved through an intradermal test conducted nine weeks post-event.
- The patient's severe symptoms resolved rapidly with prompt medical intervention.
Implications:
- Midazolam anaphylaxis, though rare, is a potential risk that must be considered.
- Healthcare providers should be prepared to manage anaphylactic reactions to midazolam.
- Early recognition and treatment are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
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