Does an allergy to fish pre-empt an adverse protamine reaction? A case report and a literature review

The operating theatre exposes patients to myriad potential agents which could result in a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Anaesthetic drugs, blood products, and latex are only some of the possible allergens. Reactions are deemed to be anaphylactic when immediate sensitivity is combined with cardiovascular collapse. A patient who had a known allergy to shellfish presented for first time cardiopulmonary bypass. The perfusion team were concerned that there was a realistic possibility that an adverse reaction to protamine could occur. Anaphylactic reactions to protamine in patients allergic to fish have been reported. The anaesthetic team were informed and the necessary precautions taken. We report on the outcome for our patient and also discuss other risk factors and the types of reactions that can result when an adverse reaction to protamine occurs.