Hypersensitivity reactions during anesthesia. Results from the ninth French survey (2005-2007)

Abstract

Background: Hypersensitivity reactions occurring during anesthesia remain a major cause of concern for anesthesiologists. We report the results of the ninth consecutive survey of hypersensitivity reactions observed during anesthesia in France. This report will be used as an epidemiologic reference prior to this intervention.

Methods: Between January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2007, 1253 patients who experienced an immune-mediated (IgE-mediated) or non-immune-mediated (non-IgE-mediated) hypersensitivity reaction were referred to one of the 40 participating centers. Diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical history, skin tests and/or specific IgE assay.

Results: An IgE-mediated or non-IgE-mediated reaction was diagnosed in 786 cases (63%) and 467 cases (37%), respectively. The most common causes of anaphylaxis were neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) (N.=373, 47.4%), latex (N.=158, 20%), and antibiotics (N.=141, 18.1%). Succinylcholine (N.=226, 60.6%) was the most frequently incriminated NMBA, whereas the low frequency of reactions involving cis-atracurium was confirmed (N.=22, 5.9%) when market shares of each NMBA were taken into account. An increased number of reactions involving vital dyes was recorded (N.=34, 4.4%).

Conclusion: These changes in the epidemiology of allergic reactions confirm the need for regular epidemiologic surveys of anaphylaxis in the perioperative period.