Perioperative anaphylaxis in children: A report from the Wake-Up Safe collaborative

Anaphylaxis mortality in the perioperative setting: Epidemiology, elicitors, risk factors and knowledge gaps

Perioperative anaphylaxis (PA) is a severe condition that can be fatal, but data on PA mortality are scarce. The aim of this article is to review the epidemiology, elicitors and risk factors for PA mortality and identify knowledge gaps and areas for improvement regarding the management of severe PA. PA affects about 100 cases per million procedures. Mortality is rare, estimated at 3 to 5 cases per million procedures, but the PA mortality rate is higher than for other anaphylaxis aetiologies, at 1.4% to 4.8%. However, the data are incomplete. Published data mention neuromuscular blocking agents and antibiotics, mainly penicillin and cefazolin, as the main causes of fatal PA. Reported risk factors for fatal PA vary in different countries. Most frequently occurring comorbidities are obesity, male gender, cardiovascular diseases and ongoing treatment with beta-blockers. However, there are no clues about how these factors interact and the impact of individual risk factors. The pathophysiology of fatal PA is still not completely known. Genetic factors such as deficiency in PAF-acetyl hydrolase and hereditary alpha-tryptasemia, have been reported as modulators of severe anaphylaxis and possible targets for specific treatments. Our review underlines unmet needs in the field of fatal PA. Although we confirmed the need for timely administration of an adequate dose of adrenaline and the proper infusion of fluids, there is no evidence-based data on the proper dose of intravenous titrated adrenaline and which clinical manifestations would flag the need for fluid therapy. There are no large clinical studies supporting the administration of alternative vasopressors, such as glucagon and methylene blue. Further research on pathophysiological mechanisms of PA and its severity may address these issues and help clinicians to define new therapeutic approaches.

Allergic Reactions to Sugammadex: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

Sugammadex is a novel agent for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade; it acts by encapsulating -rocuronium or vecuronium, eliminating the active compound from the circulation, thereby providing rapid and complete recovery even with profound or complete neuromuscular blockade. Clinical advantages, including reduced incidence of residual blockade, decreased nausea and vomiting, decreased dry mouth, less change in heart rate, and reduced pulmonary complications, have been demonstrated when comparing sugammadex to conventional agents, such as neostigmine, that inhibit acetylcholinesterase. Although generally safe and effective, anaphylactoid and allergic reactions have been reported with sugammadex. The potential for hypersensitivity reactions with sugammadex and previous reports from the literature, as well as diagnostic and treatment strategies, are presented in 3 pediatric cases.

Perioperative Care of the Pediatric Patient and an Algorithm for the Treatment of Intraoperative Bronchospasm

Asthma remains a common comorbid condition in patients presenting for anesthetic care. As a chronic inflammatory disease of the airway, asthma is known to increase the risk of intraoperative bronchospasm. As the incidence and severity of asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions that alter airway reactivity is increasing, a greater number of patients at risk for perioperative bronchospasm are presenting for anesthetic care. As bronchospasm remains one of the more common intraoperative adverse events, recognizing and mitigating preoperative risk factors and having a pre-determined treatment algorithm for acute events are essential to ensuring effective resolution of this intraoperative emergency. The following article reviews the perioperative care of pediatric patients with asthma, discusses modifiable risk factors for intraoperative bronchospasm, and outlines the differential diagnosis of intraoperative wheezing. Additionally, a treatment algorithm for intraoperative bronchospasm is suggested.

Could Artificial Intelligence Prevent Intraoperative Anaphylaxis? Reference Review and Proof of Concept

Drugs and various medical substances have been used for many decades to diagnose or treat diseases. Procedures like surgery and anesthesia (either local or general) use different pharmacological products during these events. In most of the cases, the procedure is safe and the physician performs the technique without incidents. Although they are safe for use, these substances (including drugs) may have adverse effects, varying from mild ones to life-threatening reactions in a minority of patients. Artificial intelligence may be a useful tool in approximating the risk of anaphylaxis before undertaking a medical procedure. This material presents these undesirable responses produced by medical products from a multidisciplinary point of view. Moreover, we present a proof of concept for using artificial intelligence as a possible guardship against intraoperative anaphylaxis.

Modified fluid gelatin 4% for perioperative volume replacement in pediatric patients (GPS): Results of a European prospective noninterventional multicenter study

INTRODUCTION

Modified fluid gelatin 4% is approved for use in children, but there is still a surprising lack of clinical studies including large numbers of pediatric patients. Therefore, we performed a European prospective noninterventional multicenter study to evaluate the use of a modified fluid gelatin 4% in saline (sal-GEL) or an acetate-containing balanced electrolyte solution (bal-GEL) in children undergoing major pediatric surgery.

AIMS

The primary aim was to assess the indications and dosing of modified fluid gelatin, and the secondary aim was to assess the safety and efficacy, focusing, in particular, on routinely collected clinical parameters.

METHODS

Children aged up to 12 years with ASA risk scores of I-III receiving sal-GEL or bal-GEL were followed perioperatively. Demographic data, surgical procedures performed, anesthesia, hemodynamic and laboratory data, adverse events, and adverse drug reactions were documented using a standardized case report form.

RESULTS

601 children that were investigated at 13 European pediatric centers from May 2015 to March 2020 (sal-GEL 20.1%, bal-GEL 79.9%; mean age 29.1 ± 38.6 (range 0-144) months; body weight 12.1 ± 10.5 (1.4-70) kg) were included in the analysis. The most frequent indications for GEL infusion were hemodynamic instability without bleeding (76.0%), crystalloids alone not being sufficient for hemodynamic stabilization (55.7%), replacement of preoperative deficit (26.0%), and significant bleeding (13.0%). Mean infused GEL volume was 13.0 ± 5.3 (2.4-37.5) ml kg^-1 . The total dose was affected by age, with higher doses in younger patients. After gelatin infusion, mean arterial pressure increased (mean change 8.5 ± 7.3 [95% CI: 8 to 9.1] mmHg), and the hemoglobin concentrations decreased significantly (mean change -1.1 ± 1.8 [95% CI: -1.2 to -0.9] g·dL^-1 ). Acid-base parameters were more stable with bal-GEL. No serious adverse drug reactions directly related to gelatin (i.e., anaphylactoid reaction, clotting disorders, and renal failure) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Moderate doses up to 20 ml kg^-1 of modified fluid gelatin were infused most frequently to improve hemodynamic stability in children undergoing major pediatric surgery. The acid-base balance was more stable when gelatin in a balanced electrolyte solution was used instead of saline. No serious adverse drug reactions associated with gelatin were observed.

A pragmatic approach to quality improvement in pediatric anesthesia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The concept of quality improvement (QI) is well implemented in pediatric anesthesia. Conductance, reporting and publishing of QI projects and -results is well described and promoted. However, the perception of quality might differ between stakeholders and beneficiaries. Based on measures of quality as perceived by healthcare professionals and pediatric patients, a pragmatic approach to choosing the relevant quality measure is suggested.

RECENT FINDINGS

Design of QI projects is often motivated by an incentive to avoid errors and adverse events, and with an overall aim to reduce morbidity and mortality. From a patient- and parent point of view, avoidance of perioperative stress and anxiety might be a priority measure of quality.

SUMMARY

In an attempt to embrace both perspectives of quality in pediatric anesthesia care, it is suggested to choose quality items for improvement based on patient safety, professional excellency and benignancy. By following this approach, QI is expected to remain relevant to both healthcare professionals and patients.

Role of sugammadex in the treatment of anaphylaxis due to rocuronium in children: Extrapolation from adult and animal reports

Allergic reactions are generalized hypersensitivity processes triggered by different antigenic stimuli, resulting in the end effect of mast cell degranulation and adverse physiologic effects. During the perioperative period, the most commonly identified agents include antibiotics, neuromuscular blocking agents (rocuronium and succinylcholine), chlorhexidine, and iodinated dyes for radiologic imaging. Sugammadex is a novel agent for the reversal of neuromuscular blockade achieved with rocuronium or vecuronium. Its unique mechanism of action, whereby it encapsulates and forms a one-to-one complex with rocuronium, has led to its anecdotal use as an adjunct in the treatment of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions following rocuronium. The current manuscript discusses the potential use of sugammadex in the treatment of allergic reactions following the administration of rocuronium, reviews previous anecdotal reports of its use in these scenarios, and provides recommendations for future care.

Perioperative anaphylaxis to fibrin sealants in children with Noonan Syndrome: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

In the diagnosis of perioperative anaphylaxis, it is essential to define its cause to prevent future reexposures, especially in children with Noonan Syndrome who are characterized by a large number of systemic features and wide-ranging dysmorphia. From an oral surgeon's point of view, apart from an increased risk of tumor incidence, diverse hematologic anomalies are of high concern.

OBJECTIVE

Perioperative management of such patients often requires the use of fibrin sealants, which contain aprotinin. A certain number of anaphylaxis cases have been observed in our daily practice during such treatment, which was the reason for this evaluation.

METHODS

The study was conducted to retrospectively review perioperative anaphylaxis grade II and above in children with Noonan Syndrome who underwent surgeries in the Department of Oral Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, between 2006 and 2021.

RESULTS

Out of the 16 cases of suspected anaphylaxis to aprotinin, 14 were observed in children with Noonan Syndrome. The postoperative serologic screening revealed positive results for qualitative aprotinin-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G, highly elevated quantitative aprotinin-specific IgG, and slightly elevated aprotinin-specific IgE antibodies. Interestingly, previous aprotinin administration or contact in the past 12 months was excluded.

CONCLUSION

Given that fibrin sealants are typically used in various surgical practices and although the anaphylaxis reactions in such cases are rare, it is essential to be cautious in patients with RASopathies who are at a high risk of developing anaphylaxis.

Use and Interpretation of Acute and Baseline Tryptase in Perioperative Hypersensitivity and Anaphylaxis

Paired acute and baseline serum or plasma tryptase sampling and determination have recently been included as a mechanistic approach in the diagnostic and management guidelines of perioperative immediate hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis. The timing of this paired sampling is clearly defined in international consensus statements, with the optimal window for acute tryptase sampling between 30 minutes and 2 hours after the initiation of symptoms, whereas baseline tryptase should be measured in a sample collected before the event (preop) or at least 24 hours after all signs and symptoms have resolved. A transient elevation of the acute tryptase level greater than [2 + (1.2 × baseline tryptase level)] supports the involvement and activation of mast cells. Here, we provide the clinical, pathophysiological, and technical rationale for the procedure and interpretation of paired acute and baseline tryptase. Clinical examples, up-to-date knowledge of hereditary α-tryptasemia as a frequent cause of baseline tryptase of 7 μg/L and higher, mastocytosis, other clonal myeloid disorders, cardiovascular or renal failure, and technical improvements resulting in continued lowering of the 95th percentile value are discussed. Clues for improved management of perioperative immediate hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis include (1) sustained dissemination and implementation of updated guidelines; (2) preoperative sample storage for deferred analysis; (3) referral for thorough allergy investigation, screening for mast cell-related disorders, and recommendations for future anesthetic procedures; and (4) sustained collaboration between anesthesiologists, immunologists, and allergists.