Nourian MM, Stone CA, Siegrist KK, Riess ML. Perioperative implications of patients with alpha gal allergies.
J Clin Anesth 2023;
86:111056. [PMID:
36682226 PMCID:
PMC11087933 DOI:
10.1016/j.jclinane.2023.111056]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Alpha Gal Syndrome (AGS) is an emerging immune response to mammalian products (MP) containing the oligosaccharide galactose-α-1,3 galactose (α-Gal) which includes meats and inactive ingredients in certain medications. This becomes clinically important in the perioperative realm as MPs are commonly found in the operating room, and pre- and post-operative settings, and can trigger responses as severe as anaphylaxis. In this review, authors discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of AGS reactions. Additionally, strategies are explored in order to screen and prevent exposure to MP with a multidisciplinary approach. While this emerging allergy is still not fully understood, it is of paramount importance that all anesthesia providers recognize the implications of MP exposure in AGS patients and ultimately prevent harm in this highly vulnerable population.
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