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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth
Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 1/2024

Open Access 01-12-2024 | Anaphylaxis | Case Report

Anaphylaxis-induced premature uterine contractions: a case report and literature review

Authors: Puntabut Warintaksa, Waranyu Lertrat, Roberto Romero, Pornpun Vivithanaporn, Paninee Mongkolsuk, Threebhorn Kamlungkuea, Rapeewan Settacomkul, Pisut Pongchaikul, Piya Chaemsaithong

Published in: BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth | Issue 1/2024

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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.
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Metadata
Title
Anaphylaxis-induced premature uterine contractions: a case report and literature review
Authors
Puntabut Warintaksa
Waranyu Lertrat
Roberto Romero
Pornpun Vivithanaporn
Paninee Mongkolsuk
Threebhorn Kamlungkuea
Rapeewan Settacomkul
Pisut Pongchaikul
Piya Chaemsaithong
Publication date
01-12-2024
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2393
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-024-06297-2

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