Rescue of anaphylaxis after oral aspirin ingestion

Abstract

Aspirin is increasingly used to prevent platelet aggregation; however, hypersensitivity to aspirin is a high-risk of life-threatening complication. Our patient was a 52 year old male who underwent emergent splenectomy because of accidental splenic rupture and developed a severe anaphylactic reaction approximately one minute after oral aspirin ingestion to perform anti-platelet sharply rise, in accordance with the medical care during postoperative period. Acute rescue measures included intubation and large dose of dexamethasone administration. His blood pressure and SaO₂ were maintained and supported by intravenous fluids and vasoactive drugs, and he was transferred to our intensive care unit. His condition normalized and stabilized one hour after rescue and extubated then discharged uneventfully a week later. Management of aspirin and awareness of adverse effects are both very important. We propose that the timely rescue underlying aspirin allergy may be requirement of proper medical care based on the unique presentation of the patient. Emergency physicians and nurses should be prepared to rescue patients at potential risk of anaphylactic shock.