anaphylactoid reaction


anaphylactoid

 [an″ah-fi-lak´toid] resembling anaphylaxis.anaphylactoid reaction a reaction resembling generalized anaphylaxis but not caused by IgE-mediated allergic reaction but rather by a nonimmunologic mechanism.

anaphylactoid reaction

An anaphylaxis-like reaction that occurs without an allergen-IgE antibody event, caused by a nonimmune release (e.g., reaction to radiocontrast, opiates, vancomycin, chymopapain, aspirin) of vasoactive and inflammatory mediators, including histamine.

anaphylactoid reaction

(an″ă-fĭ-lak′′toyd″) [ anaphylact(ic) + -oid] A reaction that resembles anaphylaxis, e.g., by hives, laryngeal edema, or shock, but does not involve IgE antibodies or allergens and therefore is has no allergic basis.

Etiology

This relatively uncommon type of reaction can be caused by exercise; as the result of the release of histamine when body temperature rises; by elevated endorphin levels; by ionic compounds such as contrast media that contain radiographic iodine or polymyxin B antibiotic; by solutions containing polysaccharides such as dextran; by morphine, codeine, or meperidine; and by NSAIDs. The term should not be used as a synonym for mild anaphylaxis produced by IgE-allergen reactions.

Symptoms

Anaphylactoid reactions produce hives and itching identical to those of anaphylaxis. Very rarely, severe anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock occurs. Anaphylactoid reactions are treated with the same drugs used to treat anaphylaxis.