Sun28November0628PM 17

Currently in the UK, what is the leading cause of perioperative anaphylaxis per hundred thousand administrations?

(Please select 1 option)

Teicoplanin Correct

Co-amoxiclav

Chlorhexidine

Suxamethonium

Patent blue dye

Explanation

Antibiotics are currently the leading cause of perioperative anaphylaxis in the UK. They are responsible for 46% of cases with identified causative agents. Co-amoxiclav and teicoplanin between them account for 89% of antibiotic-induced perioperative anaphylaxis

The second leading cause is neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs), responsible for 33% of cases).

Patent blue dye (14.6/100,000 administrations)

Chlorhexidine (0.78/100,000 administrations)

Suxamethonium (11.1/100,000 administrations)

Teicoplanin (16.4/100,000 administrations)

Co-amoxiclav (8.7/100,000 administrations)

Perioperative anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine poses a significant risk in the healthcare setting due to its widespread use with some being fatal.

Reference:

Anaesthesia, Surgery and Life-Threatening Allergic Reactions

Report and findings of the Royal College of Anaesthetists' 6th National Audit Project (2018).

Answer Statistics

1

38%

2

29%

3

11%

4

19%

5

4%

Times answered: 266