Study summary · research use only
Life-Threatening Anaphylaxis due to Cerebrolysin®
Plain-language summary
Paraphrased from the published abstract below — not a verdict on whether anything works.
This case report describes a severe anaphylactic reaction in an 85-year-old male patient with subacute stroke following intravenous administration of cerebrolysin, described as a neurotrophic agent derived from purified porcine brain tissue containing peptides and free amino acids. Vital functions were restored per institutional standards, and the anaphylactic reaction was confirmed by laboratory tests. The authors note that only rare cases of anaphylaxis due to cerebrolysin have been published, and that the report aims to raise awareness given cerebrolysin's use in several indications in mostly critical patients. The report also discusses pathophysiology of allergic reactions and treatment guidelines.
Abstract
In this case report, we describe a well-documented, severe anaphylactic reaction after intravenous administration of cerebrolysin, a neurotrophic agent derived from highly purified porcine brain tissue, consisting of peptides and free amino acids. Cerebrolysin has been in use for decades, in various neurological diseases, but especially stroke and traumatic brain injury, with the aim of enhancing cognitive performance. After administration of cerebrolysin to an 85-year-old male patient suffering from subacute stroke, he developed a fulminant anaphylactic reaction. Following institutional standards, vital functions were quickly restored. The anaphylactic reaction was clearly confirmed by laboratory tests. To date, only rare cases of anaphylaxis due to cerebrolysin have been published in the literature. The current report is intended to raise awareness for the possibility of such a reaction, given the widespread use of cerebrolysin in several indications in mostly critical patients. The case shows how a completely unexpected life-threatening situation can be successfully treated by targeted measures, if the situation is recognized quickly. In light of this event, we consider pathophysiology of allergic reactions and treatment guidelines.
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