HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS TO PARENTERAL LIPID SOLUTIONS

In cancer patients, hypersensitivity reactions to adjunctive medicatio ns are easily mistaken for cytostatic toxicities, We report on three p atients with systemic reactions (flush, dyspnea. tachycardia, hypotens ion, back pain) to a lipid emulsion containing long chain fatty acids (LCT). Reexposure to LCT and exposure to MCT (medium chain fatty acids ) solutions of slightly different composition - no soybean lecithin us ed as an emulsifier - were well tolerated. These data suggest that tra ces of soybean proteins are the allergenic agents, Therefore, hypersen sitivity to concomitant medications, including parenteral nutrition, h as to be considered in oncologic patients demonstrating severe systemi c reactions to intravenous therapy.