Perioperative Anaphylaxis

Perioperative anaphylaxis manifesting as cardiac arrest during cardiac surgery

Perioperative anaphylaxis is a serious entity with high morbidity and mortality. Perioperative anaphylaxis can be caused by any of the multitude of medications and substances used in anesthesia and surgery, and the most common causes include neuromuscular blocking agents, antibiotics, antiseptics, latex, and dyes. The differential diagnosis of perioperative anaphylaxis is wide from both an immunologic and a nonimmunologic standpoint. The majority of the intraoperative anaphylaxis reactions are thought to be immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated; however, other primary non-IgE-mediated mechanisms can also be present. Clinical manifestations can vary from mild cutaneous exanthema to cardiac arrest. Tryptase can be helpful in identifying perioperative anaphylaxis. In this article, we present the case of a 75-year-old man who had a cardiac arrest without skin symptoms perioperatively during coronary artery bypass surgery. We describe the presentation, strategic evaluation, and subsequent management with recommendations for future surgery based on his evaluation and the identified culprit. Subsequent surgery was later completed. Understanding the clinical presentation, key components of testing, and recommendations for future management of perioperative anaphylaxis are invaluable skills that the allergist can provide for the patient and the anesthesia and surgery teams.

Extending the role of tryptase in perioperative anaphylaxis: Predicting positive results in basophil activation tests

Background

Basophil activation tests (BATs) are useful in identifying culprits of perioperative anaphylaxis (PA), but their utility remains limited due to technical limitations, cost, and availability. Being able to prioritize patients with likely higher yields for BAT would be useful in reducing costs and manpower.

Objective

We sought to investigate whether tryptase levels and clinical parameters may be useful for selecting patients for BATs.

Methods

We performed a 10-year retrospective study in Hong Kong to investigate the performance of BATs associated with tryptase levels (taking during PA) and other clinical parameters.

Results

Of 90 patients, 70 (77.8%) showed significant tryptase level elevation and 37 (41.1%) had a positive BAT result. BAT-positive patients presented with significantly higher absolute levels (15.9 μg/L vs 9.1 μg/L; P = .018), absolute elevation (12.8 μg/L vs 7.1 μg/L; P = .012), and fold elevation (5.6- vs 4.1-fold; P = .014) of acute tryptase than did BAT-negative patients. Among patients with positive BAT result, 94.6% (35 of 37) demonstrated elevated acute tryptase, significantly more than the BAT-negative group (66.0%; P < .001). In regression analysis, tryptase elevation was the sole significant factor correlated to BAT positivity (odds ratio, 10.14; 95% CI, 2.15-47.85; P = .003). Overall, elevated acute tryptase demonstrated a sensitivity of 94.7% and a negative predictive value of 90.0% in predicting positive results with BATs.

Conclusions

We observed that tryptase elevation is a very sensitive predictor of BAT positivity among patients with identified culprits of PA. Acute elevation of tryptase would not only aid in confirming anaphylaxis but may also help guide the decision toward selecting labor-intensive and costly in vitro tests such as BATs.

Anaphylaxis induced by indocyanine green during abdominal surgery: A case report

Since 2011, indocyanine green (ICG) has been increasingly used in surgery as a diagnostic tool. Although allergic reactions to this fluorescent dye are considered rare, they can result in anaphylactic shock. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman who developed anaphylaxis immediately after ICG administration during laparoscopic-assisted high anterior resection. The patient was treated with intravenous adrenaline, and the surgery continued. Elevated plasma histamine and serum tryptase levels immediately after ICG administration and intradermal testing identified ICG as the causative agent. The frequency of ICG use is increasing, and anesthesiologists should recognize ICG as a prevalent perioperative allergen.

Severe Anaphylaxis From Remimazolam in a Mastocytosis Cancer Patient: A Case Report

Remimazolam besylate is a novel, rapid-onset, ultra-short-acting benzodiazepine with an advantageous cardio-respiratory safety profile. To date, there have been few published reports of remimazolam-induced anaphylaxis, none of which are documented in patients with mast cell disease. We describe the case of a 77-year-old male with oncologic mastocytosis who developed anaphylaxis following remimazolam administration. Symptoms included shortness of breath, hypoxia, loss of consciousness, tachycardia, and hypotension. Resolution of symptoms was attained after the administration of flumazenil, dexamethasone, diphenhydramine, famotidine, and phenylephrine. Suspicion of an anaphylactic reaction was confirmed by elevated serum tryptase levels. This case report helps establish how to diagnose anaphylaxis in a mastocytosis patient.

[Update: Neuromuscular Blockade during General Anesthesia]

The correct use of muscle relaxants and neuromuscular monitoring during anesthesia has been subject of controversial discussions for decades. Particularly important in clinical practice are identification and management of residual neuromuscular blockages and avoidance of associated complications. Despite the differences in the molecular mechanisms of action between depolarizing and non-depolarizing muscle relaxants the blockade of the postsynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor remains a common ending pathway. Due to its unfavorable side effect profile, succinylcholine should only be used in justified exceptional cases. The use of muscle relaxants generally reduces the complication rate in airway management. However, even the single use of muscle relaxants increases the likelihood of postoperative pulmonary complications. These complications associated with the use of muscle relaxants, such as residual neuromuscular blockade, must be anticipated. The application of guideline-based approaches, including continuous neuromuscular monitoring and the application of muscle relaxant reversal agents, may significantly reduce the rate of adverse events associated with the use of muscle relaxants.

Perioperative anaphylaxis: updates on pathophysiology

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Perioperative anaphylaxis has historically been attributed to IgE/FcεRI-mediated reactions; there is now recognition of allergic and nonallergic triggers encompassing various reactions beyond IgE-mediated responses. This review aims to present recent advancements in knowledge regarding the mechanisms and pathophysiology of perioperative anaphylaxis.

RECENT FINDINGS

Emerging evidence highlights the role of the mast-cell related G-coupled protein receptor X2 pathway in direct mast cell degranulation, shedding light on previously unknown mechanisms. This pathway, alongside traditional IgE/FcεRI-mediated reactions, contributes to the complex nature of anaphylactic reactions. Investigations into the microbiota-anaphylaxis connection are ongoing, with potential implications for future treatment strategies. While serum tryptase levels serve as mast cell activation indicators, identifying triggers remains challenging. A range of mediators have been associated with anaphylaxis, including vasoactive peptides, proteases, lipid molecules, cytokines, chemokines, interleukins, complement components, and coagulation factors.

SUMMARY

Further understanding of clinical endotypes and the microenvironment where anaphylactic reactions unfold is essential for standardizing mediator testing and characterization in perioperative anaphylaxis. Ongoing research aims to elucidate the mechanisms, pathways, and mediators involved across multiple organ systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, and integumentary systems, which will be crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Protamine and Heparin Interactions: A Narrative Review

ABSTRACT

Protamine, first isolated from salmon fish sperm and now produced through recombinant biotechnology, is an antidote that neutralizes the anticoagulant properties of heparin. Protamine function is based on the capacity to dissociate the heparin-antithrombin III (AT III) complex (an important link that promotes blood fluidification by inhibiting coagulation), forming the inactive heparin-protamine complex. Protamine has itself dose-dependent anticoagulant properties: It interferes with coagulation factors and platelet function; it stimulates fibrinolysis; it can lead to thrombocytopenia and reduction in thrombin-related platelet aggregation; it decreases platelet response to thrombin receptor agonist in a dose-dependent manner. In this review, we will focus on protamine and its interaction with heparin. Notably, protamine is able to antagonize not only unfractionated heparin (UFH) but also low molecular weight heparins to various degrees. Protamine-allergic and anaphylactoid systemic reactions may affect up to 1 in 10 people and should be prevented and treated early.

A Case of Anaphylactic Shock Suspected to Be Caused by Bovine Serum Albumin Tissue Adhesive (BioGlue) During Thoracoabdominal Aortic Replacement

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) tissue adhesive (BioGlue, Cryolife Inc., Kennesaw, GA, USA) is often used as a hemostatic adjunct in adult patients undergoing open surgical repair of large vessels, such as the aorta, femoral, and carotid arteries. We present a case of intraoperative anaphylaxis attributed to the use of BioGlue during thoracoabdominal aortic replacement. The patient suddenly developed hypotension, hypoxemia, and airway edema after the BioGlue application. BioGlue is composed of purified BSA and glutaraldehyde. Despite the BSA component being an allergen that can cause anaphylaxis in some patients, reported occurrences of anaphylaxis are extremely rare. We need to recognize BSA tissue adhesive as a potential allergen. In the event of an intraoperative shock, prompt recognition and investigation of the underlying cause are necessary.

When is vancomycin prophylaxis necessary? Risk factors for MRSA surgical site infection

Background

The 2022 SHEA/IDSA/APIC guidance for surgical site infection (SSI) prevention recommends reserving vancomycin prophylaxis to patients who are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonized. Unfortunately, vancomycin prophylaxis remains common due to the overestimation of MRSA risk and the desire to cover MRSA in patients with certain healthcare-associated characteristics. To optimize vancomycin prophylaxis, we sought to identify risk factors for MRSA SSI.

Methods

This was a single-center, case-control study of patients with a postoperative SSI after undergoing a National Healthcare Safety Network operative procedure over eight years. MRSA SSI cases were compared to non-MRSA SSI controls. Forty-two demographic, medical, and surgical characteristics were evaluated.

Results

Of the 441 patients included, 23 developed MRSA SSIs (rate = 5.2 per 100 SSIs). In the multivariable model, we identified two independent risk factors for MRSA SSI: a history of MRSA colonization or infection (OR, 9.0 [95% CI, 1.9-29.6]) and hip or knee replacement surgery (OR, 3.8 [95% CI, 1.3-9.9]). Hemodialysis, previous hospitalization, and prolonged hospitalization prior to the procedure had no measurable association with odds of MRSA SSI.

Conclusions

Patients with prior MRSA colonization or infection had 9-10 times greater odds of MRSA SSI and patients undergoing hip and knee replacement had 3-4 times greater odds of MRSA SSI. Healthcare-associated characteristics, such as previous hospitalization or hemodialysis, were not associated with MRSA SSI. Our findings support national recommendations to reserve vancomycin prophylaxis for patients who are MRSA colonized, as well as those undergoing hip and knee replacement, in the absence of routine MRSA colonization surveillance.

Rocuronium-Induced Anaphylaxis in the Perioperative Period: A Clinical Review

Rocuronium, a nondepolarizing neuromuscular blocking agent used for muscle relaxation especially during endotracheal intubation, can cause hypersensitivity reactions. This article provides an overview of anaphylactic reactions; risk factors; and the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing implications associated with rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis. Life-threatening anaphylaxis can be immunoglobulin E-mediated or non-immunoglobulin E-mediated and usually occurs after the first dose. Anaphylaxis can present with hypotension and bronchospasm; cutaneal symptoms, such as erythema, may not be obvious. Diagnosis is initially presumptive and may require a transesophageal echocardiogram to rule out other causes of hypotension (eg, pulmonary embolus). Emergency treatment begins with epinephrine administration and fluid boluses; cardiac support devices may be needed. Definitive diagnosis requires early measurement of histamine and tryptase levels and skin testing after the patient recovers from the reaction. Perioperative nurses should be prepared to participate in emergency treatment of anaphylaxis and advocate for testing for a definitive diagnosis.

What's fishy about protamine? Clinical use, adverse reactions, and potential alternatives

Protamine, a highly basic protein isolated from salmon sperm, is the only clinically available agent to reverse the anticoagulation of unfractionated heparin. Following intravenous administration, protamine binds to heparin in a nonspecific electrostatic interaction to reverse its anticoagulant effects. In clinical use, protamine is routinely administered to reverse high-dose heparin anticoagulation in cardiovascular procedures, including cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Despite the lack of supportive evidence regarding protamine's effectiveness to reverse low-molecular-weight heparin, it is recommended in guidelines with low-quality evidence. Different dosing strategies have been reported for reversing heparin in cardiac surgical patients based on empiric dosing, pharmacokinetics, or point-of-care measurements of heparin levels. Protamine administration is associated with a spectrum of adverse reactions that range from vasodilation to life-threatening cardiopulmonary dysfunction and shock. The life-threatening responses appear to be hypersensitivity reactions due to immunoglobulin E and/or immunoglobulin G antibodies. However, protamine and heparin-protamine complexes can activate complement inflammatory pathways and inhibit other coagulation factors. Although alternative agents for reversing heparin are not currently available for clinical use, additional research continues evaluating novel therapeutic approaches.