EM Clerkship

Round 10 (Allergic Reaction)

05.01.2020 - By Zack Olson, MD and Michael Estephan, MDPlay

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CAUTION: THESE NOTES CONTAIN SPOILERS!!!

Case Introduction

A 45 year old female is exposed to peanut butter and shrimp pizza and begins to have an apparent allergic reaction…

Initial Vitals

* Temp 98.8* HR 130* RR 35* BP 70/40* O2 92%

Critical Actions

* Verbalize Airway Evaluation* Complete a FOCUSED History and Exam* Normal Saline Bolus* Epinephrine both IM and (subsequently) IV* Glucagon 1mg IV

Final Diagnosis

Refractory Anaphylaxis Due to Beta Blockers

Tips and Tricks

You still need to obtain a quick history and exam even if you know the diagnosis in the first few seconds of the case

Additional Reading

* Basic approach to anaphylaxis (EM Clerkship)* Tranexamic acid as first-line emergency treatment for episodes of bradykinin-mediated angioedema induced by ACE inhibitors. (PubMed)* Glucagon infusion in refractory anaphylactic shock in patients on beta-blockers. (PubMed)

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