Vancomycin Allergy Causes Severe Anaphylactic Response

This case involves a 49-year-old male who presented to the hospital with an infected foot that resulted in the amputation of the toe. Imaging studies showed that the infection may have spread to the bone and osteomyelitis was a possible diagnosis. The patient was started on vancomycin and had a PICC line placed for the administration of the medication. Soon after the vancomycin was started the patient became dizzy, diaphoretic, short of breath, and complained of a burning sensation in his chest. A code was called and the patient was intubated and resuscitation efforts lasting approximately 40 minutes. Unfortunately, the patient remained in asystole despite all efforts with epinephrine, atropine and calcium gluconate. He was pronounced dead 5 days post admission with pulseless electrical activity/cardiac arrest. According to autopsy reports, the cause of death was ischemic cardiomyopathy in which there is significant left ventricular interstitial fibrosis. Contributing factors included pulmonary edema and early bronchopneumonia associated with an acute anaphylactic response.

Question(s) For Expert Witness

The issues are whether or not the allergic response should have been anticipated and whether or not the responses to the reaction were appropriate.

Expert Witness Response E-004703

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that may require resuscitation measures such as airway management, supplemental oxygen, large volumes of intravenous fluids, and close monitoring. Administration of epinephrine is the treatment of choice with antihistamines and steroids often used as adjuncts. A period of observation for between 2 and 24 hours is recommended for people once they have returned to normal due to concerns of biphasic anaphylaxis.