Anaphylactoid reaction following local anaesthesia for epidural block

A potentially serious complication of epidural bupivacaine used for a repeat, elective Caesarean section is presented. The main features of this reaction were erythema, itching, generalised and pulmonary oedema. In addition, pulmonary oedema was subsequently noted in the baby. An immunological hypersensitivity to bupivacaine or lignocaine is the likely cause.