Background: Corticosteroids form an important component of the treatment of acute asthma. Systemic anaphylactic reactions to intravenous corticosteroids have been reported, although their incidence is extremely rare. Objectives: To determine the clinical features and underlying mechanisms of anaphylactic reactions to intravenous corticosteroids in adult asthmatics. Subjects and Methods: The clinical features of 7 adult asthmatics (4 males, 3 females, mean age 39.4 ± 16.9 years), who had developed systemic anaphylactic reactions to intravenous administration of corticosteroids for the treatment of acute asthma, were studied retrospectively on the basis of their medical records. Skin tests using various injectable steroid preparations were performed in 3 cases to determine the mechanism of this reaction. Results: Systemic anaphylactic reactions to intravenous administration of corticosteroids occurred in severe atopic asthmatics with previous exposure to parenteral corticosteroids, irrespective of age and gender. Aspirin-intolerant asthma was identified in only 3 subjects. In all cases, anaphylactic reactions were induced following intravenous administration of succinate-containing corticosteroid preparations, i.e. hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone. Administration of phosphate-containing corticosteroids, i.e. dexamethasone and betamethasone, was safe and resulted in a resolution of anaphylactic symptoms. Immunological examination with skin tests suggested that anaphylactic reactions were an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. Conclusions: Intravenous injection of succinate-containing corticosteroids in high-risk asthmatics should be performed slowly by drip injection under continuous monitoring. Once anaphylactic reactions occur, it is important to stop the injection immediately and to use conventional medication for anaphylaxis.

Keywords:
Bronchial asthma, Corticosteroid, Anaphylactic reactions
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© 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
2002
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