Jenerowicz D, Polańska A, Glińska O, Czarnecka-Operacz M, Schwartz RA. Allergy to lidocaine injections: comparison of patient history with skin testing in five patients.
Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2014;
31:134-8. [PMID:
25097483 DOI:
10.5114/pdia.2014.40937]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2013] [Revised: 08/15/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
True allergy to local anesthetics, especially lidocaine, is uncommon. Most adverse reactions to this group of medications are classified as psychomotor, autonomic or toxic. In the case of suspected hypersensitivity to local anesthetics, skin testing is considered to be a useful tool - patch tests and intradermal tests for delayed hypersensitivity and skin prick tests and intradermal tests for immediate reactions. There is a particular need for such a diagnostic procedure, as patients suspected of hypersensitivity to local anesthetic drugs are frequently admitted.
AIM
To highlight the problem of hypersensitivity to local anesthetics on the basis of authors' own experience and literature data.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
We present cases of 5 patients referred to the clinic by their dentists with a suspicion of allergy to local anesthetics, four to lidocaine and 1 to articaine.
RESULTS
Intradermal tests were positive in 1 out of 5 subjects, with a concomitant episode of urticaria. In 1 patient we obtained a doubtful result of intradermal tests. Skin prick tests and patch tests were negative in all cases. In 2 cases we performed an incremental challenge test also with a negative result.
CONCLUSIONS
It has to be emphasized that, although rare, consequences of true allergy to local anesthetics can be serious considering a patient's future management and therapy. That is why this diagnosis may be crucial.
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