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. 2024 Jul 1;85(3):e96-e100.
doi: 10.1055/a-2341-7365. eCollection 2024 Jul.

Neurosurgical Management of Patients with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Lucas P Carlstrom  1 , Asad Akhter  1 , Robert J Macielak  2 , Claudio A Callejas  2 , Jennifer E Eickstaedt  3 , Christopher Brooks  4 , Kyle Van Koevering  2 , Desi Schoo  2 , Kyle C Wu  1 , Daniel M Prevedello  1
Affiliations

Neurosurgical Management of Patients with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Lucas P Carlstrom et al. J Neurol Surg Rep. .

Abstract

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) is an immunoglobulin E-mediated hypersensitivity to galatcose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal), a carbohydrate compound present in nonprimate mammalian products. Initial exposure to alpha-gal most often occurs through a tick bite, most commonly the lone star tick in the United States. Repeated exposure to alpha-gal may elicit severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. The allergy restricts dietary intake and may significantly impact perioperative risk, as many medications, anesthetics, and intraoperative surgical products utilize bovine or porcine-derived agents, including those containing magnesium stearate, glycerol, and gelatin. Here, we review the perineurosurgical care of two individuals with AGS and highlight pertinent clinical practices and perioperative management of these patients.

Keywords: alpha-gal syndrome; anesthesia; gelatin allergy; hemostasis; mammalian products; neurosurgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest None declared.

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