Anaphylaxis during peri-anesthetic period - review of research

Peri-anesthetic anaphylaxis, mediated by immunologic, nonimmunologic, or undefined mechanisms is a severe and rapid clinical condition that can be lethal. Anesthesiologists use a myriad of drugs during the provision of an anesthetic. Muscle relaxants and latex account for most cases of anaphylaxis during the perioperative period. Symptoms may include all organ systems and present with bronchospasm and cardiovascular collapse in the most severe cases. Management of anaphylaxis includes discontinuation of the presumptive drug (or latex) and anesthetic, aggressive pulmonary and cardiovascular support, and epinephrine.The paper presentsthe pathophysiology, the most common causes and the management of anaphylaxis occurring during anesthesia, based on a review of available literature.