Severe anaphylactic reactions to rocuronium bromide

The authors report four cases of severe anaphylactic reactions (grade III o r IV) to rocuronium bromide. In three of them, it was the first contact wit h a muscle relaxant. In three patients the reaction was mediated by IgE ant ibodies. A cross-reactivity with other muscle relaxants was existing in two cases (suxamethonium, vecuronium and atracurium in one patient, suxamethon ium, vecuronium and pancuronium in the other). (C) 1999 Editions scientifiq ues et medicales Elsevier SAS.