Alergia al látex

Immunoglobulin: production, mechanisms of action and formulations

Human immunoglobulin (Ig) began to be applied in the clinical practice with the treatment of primary immunodeficiencies. Quickly, applications of Ig increased, as its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory functions were elucidated. Currently, Ig is the most commonly used blood product. Ig is obtained by processing plasma; methods, in particular, techniques to reduce plasma viral loads have been evolving over the years and include: pasteurization, solvent/ detergent treatment, caprylic acid treatment and nanofiltration. These methods contribute to increased safety and quality of blood products. The mechanisms of action of Ig not only involve the blockade of Fc receptors of phagocytes, but also control complement pathways, idiotype-anti-idiotype dimer formation, blockage of superantigen binding to T cells, inhibition of dendritic cells and stimulation of regulatory T cells (Tregs). There are several formulations of Ig available, each one with its own peculiar characteristics. In Brazil, there is stringent legislation regulating the quality of Ig. Only Ig products that completely fulfill the quality control criteria are released for use. These standards involve different tests from visual inspection to determination of anti-complementary activity. This paper will further review the history and current status of Ig, including its production and mechanisms of action. The formulations available in Brazil and also the criteria of quality control currently applied will be presented.

Anaphylaxis during renal transplantation of live donor graft in a child with latex allergy: case report

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Latex allergy is becoming increasingly more frequent, affecting patients and health care professionals. The objective of this report was to present the case of a child with allergy to latex, who developed anaphylaxis during anesthesia for renal transplantation, and emphasize some of the multidisciplinary conducts used to decrease the risk of anaphylactic shock after graft reperfusion.

CASE REPORT

A male child, 5 years and 10 months old, P3 by the ASA classification, with a history of allergy to latex diagnosed after contact with balloons and confirmed by Rast test specific for latex and Prick test, underwent renal transplantation of a live donor graft for end-stage renal disease secondary to urologic malformation. The protocols for patients with Latex Allergy adopted by the Anesthesiology and Nursing Departments of the Hospital das Clínicas da UNICAMP were observed to avoid exposure of the child to latex. They started the day before the surgery by cleaning the operating rooms and substituting of all medical-hospital products by latex-free material. The equipment and materials used during the procedure were latex-free according to a technical report provided by the manufacturers. The surgery was done under general anesthesia and controlled mechanical ventilation. At the end of the surgery, the patient required blood transfusion, which was administered by a pressurizer; he developed cutaneous rash and the blood transfusion was discontinued, hydrocortisone was administered, and the infusion of crystalloids was increased. The child had an immediate and satisfactory response to the treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Latex allergy has become a public health problem and the knowledge of specific therapeutic conducts allows immediate treatment and decreases patient risks.