Suspected perioperative anaphylaxis: are we making the correct diagnosis?

Ebo, Didier G; van der Poorten, Marie-Line M; Hopkins, Philip M · Br J Anaesth · 2023

editorial · Level V

Where this comes from

Abstract

We provide a commentary on aspects of a prospective study of the epidemiology of perioperative anaphylaxis in Japan (Japanese Epidemiologic Study for Perioperative Anaphylaxis [JESPA]). Accurate diagnosis of perioperative anaphylaxis is important for research but essential for clinical safety. We evaluate the diagnostic approach used in the JESPA study and caution against over-reliance on diagnostic tests that lack sensitivity and specificity when clinical data suggest an immediate perioperative hypersensitivity reaction is likely.

Medical subject headings