Bee-sting anaphylaxis: the use of medical antishock trousers

There is a large population of unprotected individuals who are susceptible to Hymenoptera-induced anaphylaxis. Medical antishock trousers (the MAST suit) can play an important role in field treatment of anaphylactic shock. Upon application, both blood pressure and cerebral perfusion are preserved despite clinically profound vasodilation. The MAST suit mechanically increases peripheral resistance, analogous to the vasoconstrictive effects of adrenaline. In the two cases presented, the MAST suit reversed significant hypotension caused by Hymenoptera envenomation. Both patients recovered fully. Based on the suit's effectiveness in bee-sting anaphylaxis, it would seem that extended indications exist for using the MAST suit in other forms of low-resistance shock.