Background: Anaphylaxis is a serious life-threatening generalized or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. The aim of this paper is to provide knowledge on how to diagnose, treat and follow up patients with suspected anaphylaxis during general and local anaesthesia.
Material and methods: The article is based on literature identified through a non-systematic search in PubMed, the Scandinavian Guidelines on anaphylaxis during anaesthesia and on own research.
Results: Anaphylactic symptoms during anaesthesia vary with respect to severity. Manifestations from skin and the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are present simultaneously in approximately 70 % of patients. Early treatment with adrenaline, fluid and extra oxygen may be vital for survival without sequelae. The following patients should be assessed before anaesthesia: those with moderate or serious reactions or with reactions that raise suspicion of allergy which may cause problems in connection with future treatment. Neuromuscular blocking agents are the main cause of IgE-mediated anaphylaxis during anaesthesia in Norway. New research has shown that allergy towards neuromuscular blocking agents can develop after ingestion of cough syrup containing pholcodine (stimulates asymptomatic production of antibodies). These antibodies cause cross-sensibilisation with neuromuscular blocking agents. The cough syrup Tuxi was withdrawn from the Norwegian market during spring 2007.
Interpretation: Allergic reactions during anaesthesia are rare and potentially life-threatening; patients should be followed up and treated in a standardized way.