J Korean Dent Soc Anesthesiol.  2006 Dec;6(2):121-126. 10.17245/jkdsa.2006.6.2.121.

Anaphylactic Shock Care during General Anesthesia: A Case Report

• Yoo JH
• Choi BH
• Sul SH

• KMID: 2345145
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.17245/jkdsa.2006.6.2.121

Abstract

Generalized anaphylaxis is a most dramatic and acutely life-threatening allergic reaction. Most fatalities from anaphylaxis occur within the first 30 minutes postantigenic exposure. The mechanism of generalized anaphylaxis is the reaction of IgE antibodies to an allergen that causes the release of histamine, bradykinin, and others. These chemical mediators cause the contraction of smooth muscles of the respiratory and intestinal tracts, as well as increased vascular permeability. Four major clinical symptoms are recognized: skin reactions, smooth muscle spasm (gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts and respiratory smooth muscle), respiratory distress, and cardiovascular collapse. Epinephrine is the drug of choice for the management. Its sympathomimetic effects directly counteract most aspects of the attack. Respiration must be immediately supported by the establishment of a patent airway along with artificial ventilation. The circulation should be supported and the existing hypotension overcome by placing the victim in a position to allow gravity to aid venous return and by administering intravenous fluids, vasopressors, and corticosteroids. When an imperceptible pulse is evident, external cardiac compression must also be instituted. This is a case report of anaphylactic shock care during general anesthesia, possibly due to penicillin, pancuronium and others.

Keyword

Anaphylactic shock; Epinephrine

MeSH Terms

Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Anaphylaxis*
Anesthesia, General*
Antibodies
Bradykinin
Capillary Permeability
Epinephrine
Gravitation
Histamine
Hypersensitivity
Hypotension
Immunoglobulin E
Muscle, Smooth
Pancuronium
Penicillins
Respiration
Skin
Spasm
Sympathomimetics
Ventilation
Adrenal Cortex Hormones
Antibodies
Bradykinin
Epinephrine
Histamine
Immunoglobulin E
Pancuronium
Penicillins
Sympathomimetics