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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Atopy and anaphylactic reactions to suxamethonium
D Charpin1, M Benzarti, Y Hémon
1Department of Allergology and Chest Diseases, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Marseille, France.
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Atopy is not a risk factor for anaphylactic reactions (AR) to muscle relaxants like suxamethonium. This study found no link between atopy and IgE-dependent drug allergies, challenging previous assumptions in allergy research.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Clinical Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Muscle relaxants are common causes of IgE-dependent anaphylactic reactions (AR).
- The role of atopy as a risk factor for AR to drugs remains controversial.
- Suxamethonium-induced AR serves as a model for IgE-dependent drug allergy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether atopy is a risk factor for anaphylactic reactions to muscle relaxants.
- To compare clinical and biological signs of atopy in patients with and without suxamethonium-induced AR.
- To determine the relationship between atopy and IgE-dependent drug allergies.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted.
- The case group comprised 32 patients with a history of AR to suxamethonium.
- The control group included 128 matched subjects without a history of AR.
Main Results:
- Atopy signs and specific IgE to aeroallergens were similar between groups.
- Total serum IgE levels were significantly higher in the case group.
- No increased frequency or severity of AR to muscle relaxants was observed in atopic subjects.
Conclusions:
- Atopy is not a risk factor for anaphylactic reactions to muscle relaxants.
- The study does not support a relationship between atopy and IgE-dependent allergic drug reactions.
- Elevated total IgE in the case group suggests specific sensitization to drugs rather than general atopy.
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