[Importance of plasma (histamine and tryptase) and urinary (methylhistamine) in peri-anesthetic anaphylactic and/or anaphylactoid reactions].

Histamine and tryptase, released during anaphylactoid reactions in anaesthesia, can be measured out by radioimmunoassay, provided that their own pharmacokinetic is respected. For two years, we have used sample kits in order to realize the measuring out of these mediators. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interest of these mediators within investigational procedures for anaphylactoid reactions. Eleven anaphylactoid reactions were observed (0,03%). The early blood samples (the first ten minutes following onset of the reaction) were made only in 36% of the cases. Within the serious reactions (grade III), the raising of tryptase indicates the involvement of mast-cell activation. Within minor clinical reactions (grade I), plasma histamine and urinary methylhistamine were the only mediators detected. In an anaphylactic reaction of grade II, which happened after the administering of vecuronium, tryptase was not detected. Therefore, these mediators give the anaesthetists the possibility to prove quickly the severity of the reactions and to direct the investigations very early towards the right way.