Which signs indicate potential intraoperative anaphylaxis?

Which signs indicate potential intraoperative anaphylaxis?

• A. Sudden hypotension, bronchospasm, cutaneous/mucosal signs, and cardiovascular collapse.
• B. Only mild itching without hemodynamic change.
• C. Gradual blood pressure rise.
• D. Elevated temperature with sweating only.

Answer: (A)

Intraoperative anaphylaxis is a rapid systemic reaction to a trigger such as a drug or latex during anesthesia. It typically presents with a sudden drop in blood pressure due to widespread vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, along with bronchospasm that makes ventilation difficult and may cause wheezing or a rise in airway pressures. Skin manifestations like urticaria, flushing, or mucosal edema often accompany these signs, though they can be masked under drapes or by the monitoring environment. The combination of acute cardiovascular instability with respiratory compromise and skin/mucosal signs is highly indicative of anaphylaxis in the OR. That’s why the described cluster of signs—sudden hypotension, bronchospasm, cutaneous or mucosal signs, and cardiovascular collapse—is the best and most characteristic indicator. The other options describe scenarios that do not fit the typical, life-threatening pattern of anaphylaxis, such as isolated itching without hemodynamic change, a gradual rise in blood pressure, or fever with sweating alone.

Intraoperative anaphylaxis is a rapid systemic reaction to a trigger such as a drug or latex during anesthesia. It typically presents with a sudden drop in blood pressure due to widespread vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, along with bronchospasm that makes ventilation difficult and may cause wheezing or a rise in airway pressures. Skin manifestations like urticaria, flushing, or mucosal edema often accompany these signs, though they can be masked under drapes or by the monitoring environment. The combination of acute cardiovascular instability with respiratory compromise and skin/mucosal signs is highly indicative of anaphylaxis in the OR.

That’s why the described cluster of signs—sudden hypotension, bronchospasm, cutaneous or mucosal signs, and cardiovascular collapse—is the best and most characteristic indicator. The other options describe scenarios that do not fit the typical, life-threatening pattern of anaphylaxis, such as isolated itching without hemodynamic change, a gradual rise in blood pressure, or fever with sweating alone.