Anaphylactic reaction to thiopentone: a case report.

A 32-year-old female was admitted for a minor elective surgical procedure. Her past history included at least six uneventful general anaesthetics. Anaphylaxis developed shortly following induction of anaesthesia with thiopentone, Innovar and gallamine. Resuscitation was successful but was complicated by ventricular fibrillation. Full recovery followed. Subsequent allergy skin tests revealed hypersensitivity to thiopentone. Recommendations for investigation of suspected hypersensitivity to anaesthetic agents are included, as are guidelines for the recognition and treatment of anaphylaxis.