Early recognition of perioperative anaphylaxis: importance and challenges

Abstract

Introduction: Perioperative Anaphylaxis (PA) is a systemic reaction that occurs during anesthesia, a few minutes after intravenous induction. In this sense, it is estimated that there is significant underreporting regarding its occurrence and, therefore, it implies limited preparation of anesthesiologists involved in the surgical environment, with regard to early recognition of AP. Objective: to expose the challenges involved in the early perception of perioperative anaphylaxis. Methodology: integrative review carried out through the LILACS, SciELO, VHL, Embase and Cochrane Library databases, in October 2023, of articles from the period 2003-2023. The search for studies was carried out in English using the following descriptors: "perioperative anaphylaxis" AND "diagnosis" AND "handling". 43 articles were found, 18 of which were selected for full reading and, of these, 14 were excluded after qualitative analysis and 4 were included in this review. Data screening and eligibility were carried out by three reviewers to ensure the accurate extraction of the information necessary to compose this article. Results: Even with the development of technology today, in relation to Perioperative Anaphylaxis there are many limitations in early diagnosis and intervention, resulting in outcomes with worse prognoses for patients, as was analyzed when reading the articles involved in this review. Conclusion: Therefore, it is worth highlighting the importance of healthcare professionals being aware of clinical signs that indicate the occurrence of perioperative anaphylaxis, in order to act at an opportune moment to improve the patient's outcome.