Anaphylaxis-induced premature uterine contractions: a case report and literature review
Issued Date
2024-12-01
Resource Type
eISSN
14712393
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85187704218
Pubmed ID
38481196
Journal Title
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Volume
24
Issue
1
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Vol.24 No.1 (2024)
Suggested Citation
Warintaksa P., Lertrat W., Romero R., Vivithanaporn P., Mongkolsuk P., Kamlungkuea T., Settacomkul R., Pongchaikul P., Chaemsaithong P. Anaphylaxis-induced premature uterine contractions: a case report and literature review. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Vol.24 No.1 (2024). doi:10.1186/s12884-024-06297-2 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/97707
Title
Anaphylaxis-induced premature uterine contractions: a case report and literature review
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Background: Preterm labor is caused by multiple etiologies, including intra-amniotic infection and/or intra-amniotic inflammation, vascular disorders, cervical disease, decidual senescence, and breakdown of maternal–fetal tolerance. Accumulating evidence in vivo and in vitro has shown that an allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, can induce preterm uterine contractions. This report describes a case of a pregnant woman who developed anaphylaxis and regular uterine contractions after the ingestion of a strawberry-coated biscuit. We also review the mechanism of allergic reaction (hypersensitivity)-induced preterm labor. Case presentation A 31-year-old woman (gravida 1, para 0) at 30+2 weeks of gestation was admitted to the labor and delivery unit with regular uterine contractions and anaphylactic symptoms after she ingested a strawberry-coated biscuit as a snack. The uterine contractions resolved after the treatment of anaphylaxis by administering antihistamines and epinephrine. The patient subsequently delivered at 39+3 weeks of gestation. The amniotic fluid profile showed no infection or inflammation. A postpartum skin-prick test confirmed a positive type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to the strawberry-coated biscuit. Conclusions: We report a case of anaphylaxis-induced uterine contractility in which uterine contractions subsided after the treatment of anaphylaxis. The absence of intra-amniotic infection and/or intra-amniotic inflammation and the cause of the anaphylaxis were confirmed. Our findings indicate that maternal allergic reactions may be one of the mechanisms of preterm labor.