Histamine-like reaction to tubocurarine. Case report.

In preparation for an appendicectomy the anaesthesia was started with thiopentone 350 mg followed by a dose of 24 mg of tubocurarine, intravenously, in a patient with 39° C (102°F) temperature and a history of sensitivity to detergents; an anaphylactoid reaction resulted. The intradermal sensitivity tests to tubocurarine, performed with the skin at room temperature 30°C (85°F) and at 39°C (102°F), were positive and at higher skin temperature the responses were stronger. It was concluded that tubocurarine may induce anaphylactoid reactions in susceptible individuals and that an increase in body temperature acts as a contributory factor.