Preventing iatrogenic gelatin anaphylaxis

Abstract

Objective: To assess the iatrogenic risks of gelatin allergy and identify resources for patient management.

Data sources: A literature review was performed using PubMed and public databases provided by the National Library of Medicine.

Study selections: Reports of iatrogenic gelatin allergy associated with vaccines, hemostatic agents, intravenous colloids, medicinal capsules, and intraoperative surgical supplies.

Results: Gelatin ingredients may not be identified by electronic medical record safeguards, and an exhaustive listing of potential iatrogenic exposures is elusive. The National Library of Medicine AccessGUDID (https://accessgudid.nlm.nih.gov/) can be a useful resource in evaluating medical devices for gelatin content. Unexpected sources of iatrogenic gelatin exposure include hemostatic agents, vascular grafts, intravascular cannulas, bone replacement implants, and emergency resuscitation fluids.

Conclusion: Vigilance is important within medical systems to avoid inadvertent gelatin exposure when caring for patients with gelatin allergy. Additional safeguards are needed to remove latent health care system errors that fail to prevent gelatin administration in this at-risk population.