Anaesthesia | Patient specific populations | Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis
Session overview
Description
This session covers the pathophysiology of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions, their presentation, intraoperative and subsequent management and the follow-up required.

Learning objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:

• understand the mechanism of anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions
• know the common causative agents
• recognise the clinical presentation of anaphylactic reactions
• describe the initial and secondary management of anaphylactic reactions
• describe the referral and follow-up of patients following anaphylaxis  

• Anaphylaxis can present in a variety of ways but should be considered in patients with unexplained hypotension or bronchospasm.
• Common causative agents include antibiotics, neuromuscular blocking drugs, chlorhexidine and blue dye.
• The most effective treatment is adrenaline and this should be given early if anaphylaxis is suspected.
• Serum tryptase is useful in confirming anaphylaxis and should be taken soon after a suspected case, 1 to 2 hours later and 24 hours later.
• It is the responsibility of the anaesthetist to ensure follow-up after suspected anaphylaxis; your Trust Anaphylaxis Lead can help with this.