Gender specific decline in perioperative allergic reactions after
withdrawal of pholcodine
Abstract
Background: There is a known female predominance in immunological
conditions. Gender differences have also been demonstrated in
perioperative hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate
gender differences in the incidence of perioperative allergic reactions
in Norway from 1997 to 2017. Methods: Spontaneous reports on allergic
reactions during anesthesia were collected, and information about
demographic, clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. Results:
Women account for 66% of reported cases, and gender difference was most
pronounced in fertile women (ages 14 to 51), where 74% of reports were
from women. After withdrawal of the only pholcodine containing cough
syrup on the market in 2007, the female predominance fell from 72 to
60% in all age groups. We found no differences in severity of the
reaction or in laboratory findings between men and women. Conclusions:
Women are at increased risk of suffering perioperative hypersensitivity
reactions. The gender difference was less pronounced after the
withdrawal of pholcodine.