[Importance of allergologic consultation after a ++perianesthetic complication. Report on a year of activities at the Poitiers University Hospital Center].

OBJECTIVE

Patients who present an accident during general anesthesia must be tested 4 to 8 weeks later in order to determine the exact cause and prevent any further acute accidents. We report the results of a prospective study based on a 1-year period of allergology consultations after peroperative accidents in the Poitiers University Hospital.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Previous history, surgical procedure, the nature and gravity, of the reaction, risk factors and tests results were recorded. All observations were transmitted to the Regional Pharmacovigilance Center. The level of causality of the administered drug was determined from these data which were integrated into the national computer bank of side effects.

RESULTS

After 2,500 general anesthesia procedures, a total of 21 patients had been referred to the allergology consultation. Eighteen were positive for at least 1 test (skin tests or laboratory tests). Among the substances administered, causality was probable for 16, possible for 4 and doubtful for 1.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate the importance of allergy tests and the need for close collaboration between anesthetists, allergologists and pharmacologists.