Objective: Histamine release may cause anaphylactoid reactions. However, during anaesthesia and surgery especially cardiovascular effects may not be regarded as histamine-related. Therefore, we adapted the classical concept of histamine release reactions to the perioperative situation and validated the new paradigm.
Methods: Elevated plasma histamine (diagnostic gold standard) was correlated to potentially related intraoperative signs and symptoms. The validity, repeatability and sensitivity of the 'gold standard' was tested by ROC analysis in volunteers, who also received H1-/H2-histamine antagonists. Additionally, a dose-response relationship was determined in dogs using the histamine releaser compound 48/80.
Results: The 'gold standard' had a sensitivity of 96% (90%-100%) and a specificity of 93% (85%-100%). The reproducibility was proven by repeated injections of histamine. Skin reactions, tachycardia and hypertension were identified as histamine-related diagnostic variables. A dose-response curve of plasma histamine release was created.
Conclusions: The defined 'gold standard' is valid for the diagnosis of histamine-related reactions during anaesthesia and surgery. It may help to identify patients, who could benefit from pre-anaesthetic antihistamine prophylaxis.
Copyright 2004 Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel