Intraoperative anaphylaxis to gelatin-based hemostatic agents: a case report

Neurosurgical Management of Patients with Alpha-Gal Syndrome

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.

Alpha-Gal Syndrome: An Underrated Serious Disease and a Potential Future Challenge

Over the past decades, red meat allergy, also known as mammalian meat allergy, which manifests differently from classic food allergies, has been reported in different countries and regions, including China. The allergen of this disease is not a protein but an oligosaccharide: galactose-α-1,3-galactose, i.e., alpha-gal or α-gal. Therefore, this clinical syndrome is also called α-gal syndrome (AGS). It clinically manifests as delayed anaphylaxis, i.e., patients generally develop allergic symptoms 2-6 h after ingesting red meat. This clinical manifestation is believed to be related to sensitization to α-gal after tick bites. Sensitized individuals may also develop anaphylaxis after ingesting food and medicine or being exposed to medical equipment containing α-gal, such as cetuximab and gelatin. Here, the literature on AGS is reviewed for a better understanding of its pathogenesis, clinical diagnosis, and treatment.

Biological scaffold as potential platforms for stem cells: Current development and applications in wound healing

Wound repair is a complex challenge for both clinical practitioners and researchers. Conventional approaches for wound repair have several limitations. Stem cell-based therapy has emerged as a novel strategy to address this issue, exhibiting significant potential for enhancing wound healing rates, improving wound quality, and promoting skin regeneration. However, the use of stem cells in skin regeneration presents several challenges. Recently, stem cells and biomaterials have been identified as crucial components of the wound-healing process. Combination therapy involving the development of biocompatible scaffolds, accompanying cells, multiple biological factors, and structures resembling the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) has gained considerable attention. Biological scaffolds encompass a range of biomaterials that serve as platforms for seeding stem cells, providing them with an environment conducive to growth, similar to that of the ECM. These scaffolds facilitate the delivery and application of stem cells for tissue regeneration and wound healing. This article provides a comprehensive review of the current developments and applications of biological scaffolds for stem cells in wound healing, emphasizing their capacity to facilitate stem cell adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, and paracrine functions. Additionally, we identify the pivotal characteristics of the scaffolds that contribute to enhanced cellular activity.

Intraoperative Anaphylaxis to Gelatin during Alveolar Bone Grafting for Cleft Palate

Intraoperative anaphylaxis can be life threatening. Anaphylaxis to gelatin-based topical hemostatic agents is an underrecognized hypersensitivity. To date, only 21 cases of intraoperative anaphylaxis have been reported for gelatin-based hemostatic agents. In this article, we report the case of a 10-year-old male patient who sustained anaphylaxis after the use of Gelfoam during harvest of a bone graft. Rapid diagnosis and treatment of intraoperative anaphylaxis is imperative to prevent adverse outcomes. Referral to an allergist for identification of the allergen and appropriate notation in the medical record are paramount to avoid future anaphylactic events. Surgeons should avoid gelatin-based hemostatic agents, such as Gelfoam, in patients with reported intolerance of gelatin-based foods and medicines.

Evaluation of the Hemostatic Effect of an Innovative Tissue Adhesive during Extraction Therapy under Rivaroxaban in a Rodent Model

An increase in rivaroxaban therapies is associated with increased numbers of postoperative bleeding despite the use of hemostatic sponges, which are currently the gold standard treatment. VIVO has shown promising hemostatic results, favorable tissue properties, and ease of application, although it has not yet been used in the oral cavity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic properties of VIVO in the extraction sockets of 31 rodents and compare this to gelatin sponge (GSP) therapy. At rivaroxaban concentrations of 264.10 ± 250.10 ng/mL, 62 extraction sockets were generated, of which 31 were treated with VIVO and 31 with GSP. The duration time, early and late bleeding events, and wound healing score were determined. Histologic examinations of the tissues were performed after 5 days. VIVO presented a longer procedure, 1.26 ± 0.06 min, but a significantly shorter bleeding time, 0.14 ± 0.03 min. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of the severity and timing of bleeding. More minor early bleeding events were observed for GSP. VIVO showed a significantly better healing score, with favorable histological results. In an animal study, VIVO showed promising hemostatic properties after tooth extraction under ongoing anticoagulative therapy.

An autologous blood-derived patch as a hemostatic agent: evidence from thromboelastography experiments and a porcine liver punch biopsy model

Perioperative bleeding is a common complication in surgeries that increases morbidity, risk of mortality, and leads to increased socioeconomic costs. In this study we investigated a blood-derived autologous combined leukocyte, platelet, and fibrin patch as a new means of activating coagulation and maintaining hemostasis in a surgical setting. We evaluated the effects of an extract derived from the patch on the clotting of human blood in vitro, using thromboelastography (TEG). The autologous blood-derived patch activated hemostasis, seen as a reduced mean activation time compared to both non-activated controls, kaolin-activated samples, and fibrinogen/thrombin-patch-activated samples. The accelerated clotting was reproducible and did not compromise the quality or stability of the resulting blood clot. We also evaluated the patch in vivo in a porcine liver punch biopsy model. In this surgical model we saw 100% effective hemostasis and a significant reduction of the time-to-hemostasis, when compared to controls. These results were comparable to the hemostatic properties of a commercially available, xenogeneic fibrinogen/thrombin patch. Our findings suggest clinical potential for the autologous blood-derived patch as a hemostatic agent.

Chitosan-Based Hemostatic Hydrogels: The Concept, Mechanism, Application, and Prospects

The design of new hemostatic materials to mitigate uncontrolled bleeding in emergencies is challenging. Chitosan-based hemostatic hydrogels have frequently been used for hemostasis due to their unique biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, injectability, and ease of handling. Moreover, chitosan (CS) absorbs red blood cells and activates platelets to promote hemostasis. Benefiting from these desired properties, the hemostatic application of CS hydrogels is attracting ever-increasing research attention. This paper reviews the recent research progress of CS-based hemostatic hydrogels and their advantageous characteristics compared to traditional hemostatic materials. The effects of the hemostatic mechanism, effects of deacetylation degree, relative molecular mass, and chemical modification on the hemostatic performance of CS hydrogels are summarized. Meanwhile, some typical applications of CS hydrogels are introduced to provide references for the preparation of efficient hemostatic hydrogels. Finally, the future perspectives of CS-based hemostatic hydrogels are presented.

Aphagia Strongly Suspected to Be Caused by an Allergic Reaction to a Gelatin-based Hemostatic Agent after Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion for Central Cervical Cord Injury

Gelatin-based hemostatic agents are widely used in neurosurgery. This is a case of postoperative aphagia strongly suspected to be caused by an allergic reaction to a gelatin-based hemostatic agent after anterior cervical decompression and fusion for central cervical cord injury. A 55-year-old man underwent cervical anterior decompression and fusion at the C3/4 and 4/5 levels for central cervical cord injury. Immediately after the surgery, he could not swallow saliva at all, but his voice was not hoarse. Postoperative cervical computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed significant edema from the post-hypopharynx wall to the front of the vertebral body. The retropharyngeal space was remarkably enlarged to 15.8 mm with cervical spine X-rays. Without neurological symptom improvement, his condition was diagnosed as marked edema of the area where Surgiflo (porcine-derived gelatin-based hemostatic agent; Johnson & Johnson Wound Management, Somerville, NJ, USA) had been applied during the operation. It was strongly suspected to be caused by an allergic response to the porcine-derived gelatin. When methylprednisolone 1000 mg was administered for 3 days from the 5th postoperative day, swallowing became almost normal within a few hours after the initial administration, and his neurological symptoms improved. The patient left the hospital on the 12th day after the operation. Before using porcine-derived gelatin products during surgery, special consideration should be given to patients with an allergy history before surgery.

Idiopathic Anaphylaxis? Analysis of Data from the Anaphylaxis Registry for West Pomerania Province, Poland

The most common causes of anaphylaxis, according to various authors and depending on the age of the studied groups, are: Hymenoptera venom, food, and medications. Unfortunately, we are not always able to indicate the cause of anaphylaxis. There are data in the literature where as many as 41% of all cases are idiopathic anaphylaxis. Since the introduction of new diagnostic methods such as molecular diagnostics (MD) in our centre, the percentage of idiopathic anaphylaxis in the Anaphylaxis Register has significantly decreased. The purpose of this study was to identify possible causes of idiopathic anaphylaxis in patients with a history of moderate to severe anaphylactic reactions. After using MD, the causative agent was found in another 29 people. The proportion of people with idiopathic anaphylaxis in the Registry decreased from 9.2% to 3.5%. There were no significant differences in the incidence, although men appear to be slightly more common in primary idiopathic anaphylaxis. The mean age of primary idiopathic anaphylaxis was 40 years, but this was as high as 51 for anaphylaxis with alpha-gal allergy. Exercise may or may not be present as a cofactor despite its established role, e.g., in wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA). In most of the analyzed cases, i.e., 70%, the reaction took place within an hour. The longest time interval from exposure to the development of symptoms is in the case of alpha-gal allergy; in this analysis, it was at least 5 h after ingestion of the so-called "red meat". Patients are not aware of the disease, or further attacks cannot be prevented. As many as 80% had idiopathic anaphylaxis prior to visiting the centre, and 80% developed anaphylaxis after visiting the centre, which emphasizes the need to not stop the medical team in their search for the causes. As many as 93% of cases required medical intervention, of which adrenaline was used only in 34.5%, antihistamines in 86%, systemic glucocorticosteroids (sCS) in 75%, and fluids in 62% of cases. A total of 83% of patients received an emergency kit for self-administration. Idiopathic anaphylaxis can be resolved as known-cause anaphylaxis after a thorough medical history and, if possible, without exposing the patient after using appropriate, modern in vitro diagnostic methods, including molecular diagnostics. The diagnosis of idiopathic anaphylaxis should extend the diagnosis to include alpha-gal syndrome, LTP syndrome and WDEIA.

Perioperative Anaphylaxie – alte Zöpfe und Neues zu den Auslösern

Perioperative Anaphylaxien werden mit mindestens 1:6000 angegeben. Neue Kenntnisse der Pathophysiologie der anaphylaktischen Reaktionen beziehen die Auslösung über das Mastzell-related G-Protein und die Komplementaktivierungs-abhängige Pseudoallergie mit ein. Neu beschriebene Auslöser sind das Chlorhexidin oder Gelatine-Produkte, eingesetzt zur Blutstillung oder blaue Farbstoffe zur intraoperativen Markierung. Wachsamkeit ist in Hinblick auf biphasische Reaktionen geboten. Propofol darf mittlerweile bei Ei- und Sojaallergikern eingesetzt werden.

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.

The Meat of the Matter: Understanding and Managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome is an unconventional food allergy, characterized by IgE-mediated hypersensitivity responses to the glycan galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) and not to a food-protein. In this review, we discuss how alpha-gal syndrome reframes our current conception of the mechanisms of pathogenesis of food allergy. The development of alpha-gal IgE is associated with tick bites though the possibility of other parasites promoting sensitization to alpha-gal remains. We review the immune cell populations involved in the sensitization and effector phases of alpha-gal syndrome and describe the current understanding of why allergic responses to ingested alpha-gal can be delayed by several hours. We review the foundation of management in alpha-gal syndrome, namely avoidance, but also discuss the use of antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, and the emerging role of complementary and alternative therapies, biological products, and oral immunotherapy in the management of this condition. Alpha-gal syndrome influences the safety and tolerability of medications and medical devices containing or derived from mammalian products and impacts quality of life well beyond food choices.

Anaphylaxis to drug excipients

In addition to the therapeutic agent, drugs contain excipients such as stabilizers, preservatives, solubilizers, or dyes, some of which are identical to additives in foods. Anaphylaxis to these excipients is probably an underestimated problem. After the first descriptions of anaphylactic reactions to drug excipients appeared more than 30 years ago, the number of corresponding reports has increased significantly over the years. However, a diagnostic gap exists in the clarification of drug allergic reactions when the index product is not known and/or is not available for testing. In the present work, individual excipients are presented as examples for which publications on anaphylaxis are available. Furthermore, the options of allergological testing both in vivo and in vitro are discussed. The pathogenesis of such reactions is still unresolved in many cases, and current concepts are briefly presented in the conclusion. With increasing knowledge about anaphylaxis to drug excipients, it is assumed that these can then be recognized more often and diagnostically clarified.

Anaphylaxie auf Hilfsstoffe in Arzneimitteln

Neben dem therapeutischen Agens enthalten Arzneimittel Hilfsstoffe als beispielsweise Stabilisatoren, Konservierungsstoffe, Löslichkeitsvermittler oder Farbstoffe, die teilweise identisch mit Zusatzstoffen in Nahrungsmitteln sind. Anaphylaxien auf diese Hilfsstoffe sind ein vermutlich unterschätztes Problem. Nachdem erste Beschreibungen anaphylaktischer Reaktionen auf Arzneimittelhilfsstoffe bereits vor über 30 Jahren auftauchten, hat die Zahl entsprechender Berichte in den letzten Jahren deutlich zugenommen. Eine diagnostische Lücke besteht allerdings in der Abklärung arzneimittelallergischer Reaktionen, wenn das Indexpräparat nicht bekannt ist und/oder nicht als Originalpräparat für Testungen zur Verfügung steht. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden einzelne Hilfsstoffe exemplarisch vorgestellt, für die Publikationen zu Anaphylaxien vorliegen. Des Weiteren werden die Optionen allergologischer Testungen sowohl in vivo als auch in vitro besprochen. Die Pathogenese derartiger Reaktionen ist vielfach noch unklar, hier werden abschließend aktuelle Konzepte kurz vorgestellt. Mit zunehmendem Wissen über Anaphylaxien auf Arzneimittelhilfsstoffe ist davon auszugehen, dass diese auch vermehrt wahrgenommen und diagnostisch aufgeklärt werden können.

Zitierweise: Pfützner W. Anaphylaxis to drug excipients. Allergo J Int 2022;31:137-40

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40629-022-00214-9

Clinical Issues-April 2022

Perioperative care of the patient with alpha-gal syndrome Key words: alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), red meat allergy, allergic reaction, mammalian-derived ingredients, gelatin. Overnight storage of sterile supplies Key words: sterile supplies, event-related sterility, terminal cleaning, damp dusting, instrument table. Unsterile medication cartridges Key words: dental cartridge, local anesthesia, lidocaine, alcohol, sterile field. Personnel traffic into the OR Key words: OR traffic, door openings, airflow, environmental contamination, automatic doors.

Reducing meningo-cerebral adhesions by implanting an interpositional subdural polyesterurethane graft after high-grade glioma resection

BACKGROUND

Meningo-cerebral adhesions are frequently encountered during recurrent high-grade glioma resections. Adhesiolysis not only lengthens operation times, but can also induce focal cortical tissue injury that could affect overall survival.

METHODS

Immediately after the primary resection of a high-grade glioma, a polyesterurethane interpositional graft was implanted in the subdural space covering the entire exposed cortex as well as beneath the dural suture line. No postoperative complications were documented. All patients received adjuvant radiotherapy. Upon repeat resection for focal tumor recurrence, the graft was shown to effectively reduce meningo-cerebral adhesion development.

CONCLUSION

The implantation of a synthetic subdural graft is a safe and effective method for preventing meningo-cerebral adhesions.

Successful non-invasive management of iatrogenic splenic injury associated with a peritoneal dialysis catheter in a dog

An 11-month-old, intact female Labrador retriever was presented with oligoanuric acute kidney injury and overhydration after grape ingestion. Percutaneous placement of a 12G × 30 cm Mila chest tube was done as an emergency temporary peritoneal dialysis catheter. Although no serious immediate complications were noted, an iatrogenic splenic injury had occurred. The catheter was used for peritoneal dialysis and urine output and hydration status improved over time. When the dialysis catheter was removed 3 d later, a synthetic hemostatic matrix, Surgiflo, was deposited through the catheter. No complications were noted. The dog recovered uneventfully and was doing well with normal kidney function. Key clinical message: To the authors' knowledge, this report represents the first description of non-invasive management of iatrogenic splenic injury secondary to percutaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter placement in a dog.

Perioperative Anaphylaxis

Perioperative anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening and under-recognized event most commonly caused by antibiotics, neuromuscular blocking agents, dyes, latex, and disinfectants. This review provides updates in the epidemiology and pathogenesis of perioperative anaphylaxis, discusses culprit agents, and highlights the tenets of management including a comprehensive allergy evaluation.

Alpha-gal syndrome: the first report in Poland

Alpha-gal syndrome is an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-dependent allergy to galactose-α-1,3-galactose, resulting in a delayed anaphylactic reaction to red meat. The syndrome is causally linked to bites from ticks and associated with cross-reactivity to some drugs, e.g. cetuximab. Although cases of alpha-gal allergy have already been reported in a few European countries, to our best knowledge, no cases have been reported so far in Central-Eastern Europe. In the current report, we describe a case of alpha-gal syndrome diagnosed in Poland, to highlight the fact that it may occur in new geographic areas. Within three months, the described patient underwent five anaphylactic reactions with typical clinical manifestations. They developed a few hours after ingestion of red meat (pork, beef or mutton) and were preceded by tick bites. The level of specific IgE antibodies to alpha-gal reached 72.6 kAU/l, whereas the levels of specific IgE antibodies to other food allergens were within the reference range. As the onset of symptoms in this syndrome is usually delayed, numerous cases may be identified as idiopathic anaphylaxis, while early diagnosis is indispensable to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.

A pediatric case of tick-bite-Induced meat allergy and recall urticaria

Alpha-gal syndrome should be suspected also in children in case of typical allergic symptoms in the evening or night during tick seasons and the event of recall urticaria. It is, however, still a challenge for both patients and clinicians.

Perioperative Anaphylaxie – alte Zöpfe und Neues zu den Auslösern

Perioperative Anaphylaxien werden mit mindestens 1:6000 angegeben. Neue Kenntnisse der Pathophysiologie der anaphylaktischen Reaktionen beziehen die Auslösung über das Mastzell-related G-Protein und die Komplementaktivierungs-abhängige Pseudoallergie mit ein. Neu beschriebene Auslöser sind das Chlorhexidin oder Gelatine-Produkte, eingesetzt zur Blutstillung oder blaue Farbstoffe zur intraoperativen Markierung. Wachsamkeit ist in Hinblick auf biphasische Reaktionen geboten. Propofol darf mittlerweile bei Ei- und Sojaallergikern eingesetzt werden.

Review of topical gelatin-based haemostatic agents; an insidious culprit of intraoperative anaphylaxis?

BACKGROUND

An under-recognized complication of gelatin-based haemostatic agents is their potential to cause anaphylactic reactions. This review aims to collate and analyse case in the literature of intraoperative anaphylaxis secondary to locally applied haemostatic agents.

METHODS

An electronic search was performed on databases Medline, Embase, Pubmed and ProQuest. A total of 7671 articles were reviewed from title and abstract. After exclusion criteria and duplicates removed, 19 articles with 21 cases were included for analysis. Data extracted from each of the articles included patient demographics, haemostatic agent used, surgery type, known allergies and any objective evidence of hypersensitivity post anaphylactic episode, that is tryptase levels, IgE levels, skin prick testing.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven percent of cases involved patients <18 years of age; 57% of cases involved spinal surgery; 100% of cases displayed objective evidence of hypersensitivity (tryptase levels, bovine or porcine IgE levels, or skin prick testing). Thirty-three percent of patients had exposure preoperatively to a known agent causing anaphylaxis or allergy which would preclude the use of a gelatin-based haemostat. These products included vaccines, spam meats, red meat, Jell-O and CollaPlug. Gelatin-based haemostat agents included Floseal, Gelfoam, Surgiflo, fibrin glue, Avitene, haemofibrine sponge, topical bovine thrombin and thrombin-soaked gelatin.

CONCLUSION

Increased awareness of allergy to gelatin-based haemostats for surgical and anaesthetic is imperative, with 33% of cases having a known contraindication to gelatin-based haemostat. This review highlights important aspects in the pre-operative patient history and post-event patient investigation that could assist anaesthetists and surgeons in the prevention of future events.

Intraoperative Anaphylaxis in Response to Hemostatic Agents With Protein Derivatives

Topical hemostatic agents are commonly used in a wide variety of surgical procedures to assist in hemostasis. However, the use of these agents is not without risk as many contain biologically active agents derived from human and animal products that have the potential to cause adverse reactions. This case report covers a 44-year-old man with a history of alpha-gal syndrome who was scheduled for an open reduction and internal fixation of a left distal radius fracture. Alpha-gal syndrome is characterized by an IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to a mammalian oligosaccharide epitope. Patients with this condition have a history of a past tick bite and subsequent development of an allergic reaction to mammalian protein products, most notably red meat. The patient had concerns about products used during surgery and potential reactions based on his allergy. The intent of this case report is to promote physician awareness of the widespread use of mammalian products in surgical hemostatic agents and potential immunogenic reactions. By increasing awareness of the alpha-gal syndrome, the goal is that medical device companies will actively disclose product components that could potentiate these adverse reactions and continue to develop alternative agents.

Alpha-gal syndrome: An emerging cause of food and drug allergy

Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) describes a wide spectrum of hypersensitivity reactions mediated by specific IgE to the α-gal epitope (galactose-α-1,3-galactose) ubiquitously expressed on glycolipids/glycoproteins of most mammals. This fascinating new entity has completely changed the paradigms of allergy as allergic response is directed against an oligosaccharide and the reactions can be both immediate and delayed. They appear to be stimulated only by tick bites which induce production of α-gal specific IgE antibodies that lead to (at times fatal) hypersensitivity response. AGS is completely different to previously described anaphylaxis to tick saliva. It provides unique insight into the interplay between different arms of the immune system and the role of ectoparasites in the development of anaphylaxis to food and medication in patients at risk of tick bites including travellers. This review summarises recent advances in our understanding of its clinical presentation, pathomechanism and role of various tick species in the development of AGS.