Ephedrine-Resistant Hypotension as a Possible Early Warning Sign of Suspected Perioperative Anaphylaxis: A Three-Case Series
Öz
Perioperative anaphylaxis is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that may present with atypical features, making early recognition particularly challenging. In some cases, hypotension may be the predominant or even the only clinical manifestation. We report a three-case series of suspected perioperative anaphylaxis characterized by hypotension resistant to ephedrine. In the first case, a 40-year-old woman developed progressive postoperative hypotension shortly after antibiotic administration under spinal anesthesia, which was initially misinterpreted as a panic reaction. In the second case, a 50-year-old man experienced intraoperative hypotension following antibiotic exposure during general anesthesia, with cutaneous signs appearing only later in the postoperative period. In the third case, a 71-year-old woman with pre-existing hypotension developed generalized erythema accompanied by persistent hypotension at the end of surgery. In all cases, hypotension was unresponsive to fluid resuscitation and repeated ephedrine administration but improved rapidly after adrenaline administration. All patients recovered without complications. Objective diagnostic confirmation was limited; therefore, these cases are presented as suspected perioperative anaphylaxis. Nonetheless, they suggest that ephedrine-resistant hypotension may represent a possible early warning sign of perioperative anaphylaxis, even in the absence of typical features such as skin manifestations. Maintaining a high index of suspicion and ensuring timely administration of adrenaline are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Anesteziyoloji
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Esma Karaarslan
*
0000-0002-3459-0243
Türkiye
Yayımlanma Tarihi
22 Eylül 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
9 Nisan 2026
Kabul Tarihi
21 Eylül 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Cilt: 48 Sayı: 6