Prevention by monovalent haptens of IgE-dependent leucocyte histamine release to muscle relaxants

Abstract

The cross-reactivity between muscle relaxants (MRs) is a risk for inducing anaphylaxis in sensitized patients. The preventive use of monovalent haptens (MHs) was studied in 21 cases. Inhibition of the skin reactivity by mixing MRs and MHs was observed, as was the inhibition of leucocyte histamine release to MRs, up to 3 h after infusion of MHs. These results argue for the use of such a protocol, if surgery requires the use of a MR in patients at risk for anaphylaxis.