Anaphylactic reaction to lidocaine.

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Allergy and Immunology

Background:

• Lidocaine hydrochloride is a widely utilized amide-type local anesthetic for various surgical procedures, including facial plastic surgery.
• Local anesthetics are essential for pain management during and after surgical interventions.

Observation:

• A rare case of reproducible anaphylactic reaction to lidocaine was documented.
• The patient presented with symptoms indicative of a severe allergic response following lidocaine administration.

Findings:

• Early and appropriate medical intervention, including epinephrine, oxygenation, and intravenous fluid resuscitation, led to the resolution of anaphylactic symptoms.
• The reaction was confirmed to be reproducible, suggesting a specific hypersensitivity to lidocaine.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of thorough patient history and allergy assessment before administering local anesthetics.
• Sensitivity testing for lidocaine may be warranted in patients with a history of suspected adverse reactions.
• Identifying and utilizing alternative local anesthetics is crucial for patient safety in cases of confirmed lidocaine allergy.