Electrocardiographic alterations and raised procalcitonin levels during anaphylactic shock. Issue 1 (21st January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mirijello, Antonio; D'Errico, Maria Maddalena; Piscitelli, Pamela; De Cosmo, Salvatore
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 13:Issue 1(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-01-21
• Subjects: immunology -- unwanted effects/adverse reactions -- drugs and medicines; Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2019-233521
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Anaphylaxis represents a systemic disease occurring after the exposure to an allergen. Drugs for the treatment of anaphylactic reactions (ie, corticosteroids and adrenalin) could induce autonomic alterations, such as tachycardia, hyperthermia, tachypnoea and leucocytosis. We describe the case of a 52-year-old woman presenting with a severe allergic reaction after the ingestion of amoxicillin-clavulanate. The occurrence of ECG alterations, laboratory abnormalities and procalcitonin (PCT) elevation will be discussed with particular emphasis on the possible misleading role of PCT during anaphylactic shock.