Fatal anaphylactic reactions to lignocaine

Abstract

Fatal anaphylactic reactions to lignocaine are very rare. In this review of published reports, the main objective is to determine the characteristics of fatal allergic reactions to lignocaine and describe the forensic investigations of anaphylaxis related deaths. From 1957 to 2012, there were seven reports of single case and one report of 8 cases with sufficient information for review. Fatal anaphylactic reactions to lignocaine were generally characterised by fast onset of symptoms (within seconds to <30min of drug exposure) and rapid progression to cardiopulmonary arrest and death (23min to ∼1h). Features of cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological system involvements were often seen. Autopsy might reveal laryngeal oedema, pulmonary oedema, cerebral oedema, eosinophil infiltrates in many organs and other changes. Elevated blood tryptase level caused by mast cell degranulation was also used to diagnose acute anaphylaxis.

Keywords: Anaphylaxis; Fatal outcome; Lignocaine.