Anaesthetists should be aware of delayed hypersensitivity to phenylephrine

Abstract

Delayed reactions to phenylephrine, used as a mydriatic agent during ophthalmological surgical procedures, are well known. We diagnosed a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to phenylephrine included in an ophthalmic insert in a woman presenting, 24 h after surgery, with an acute blepharoconjunctivitis associated with eyelid eczema of the operated eye. The diagnosis was supported by the recognition of clinical symptoms associated with a positive patch test to phenylephrine. Patients who present with previous contact eczema to phenylephrine may develop a generalized eczema if phenylephrine is injected intravenously. Intravenous phenylephrine is increasingly being used in the operating room to treat hypotension. This case report confirms the need for systematic allergological investigation of all drugs and substances administered during the peri-operative period in order to avoid a delayed hypersensitivity reaction occurring after the peri-operative period. Anaesthetists should be aware of the possibility of delayed hypersensitivity reactions involving phenylephrine.