[Anaphylactic shock].

Anaphylactic shock is a cardiovascular collapse that occurs after the interaction of antigen and antibody. Common causes of anaphylactic shock are drugs, foods, venoms, and heterologous serum. Mechanisms of anaphylactic shock are thought to be peripheral vasodilatation, enhanced vascular permeability, leakage of plasma, and intravascular volume depletion. The recognition of an anaphylactic shock rests on the observation of cardiovascular collapse in association with temporal exposure to a foreign substance. In addition to cardiovascular collapse, cutaneous, respiratory and/or gastrointestinal events can occur, constituting other serious aspects of anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock is a true medical emergency. Initial therapy consists of the administration of intravenous fluids (saline, colloid), and epinephrine.