BMJ  2006;333 (30 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.333.7570.0

Severe anaphylaxis due to contrast media is rare and prophylaxis unhelpful

Premedication may not be helpful in preventing serious anaphylactic reactions due to iodinated contrast media. Tramèr and colleagues (p 675) conducted a systematic review of nine trials testing the efficacy of antihistamines and corticosteroids. Life threatening anaphylaxis after receiving contrast media was rare, and the authors conclude that, although an oral double dose of methylprednisolone may avert such reactions, its usefulness is doubtful because of the large numbers of patients who would have to be treated to prevent one reaction.


Figure 1
 Credit: ALAIN POL/ISM/SPL

 


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Relevant Article

Pharmacological prevention of serious anaphylactic reactions due to iodinated contrast media: systematic review
Martin R Tramèr, Erik von Elm, Pierre Loubeyre, and Conrad Hauser
BMJ 2006 333: 675. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Rapid Responses:

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Reaction to contrast media
dr sudarshan kumari
bmj.com, 30 Sep 2006 [Full text]
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