A case of anaphylaxis to antiseptic povidone-iodine

A case of anaphylaxis to antiseptic povidone-iodine (PVP-I) is presented. When we used the PVP-I for irrigation of the operative wound after the reduction of the zygomatic arch fracture, subsequent severe edematous swelling occurred in the face and neck regions. In order to avoid anaphylactic shock, the operative wound was immediately washed with a large amount of physiological saline solution, and then hydrocortisone and predonisolone were given intravenously.As the results of these treatments, the swelling was rapidly reduced at 4 days later, and period of about 1 month was needed for complete disappearence of symptoms.Intradermal skin test with 0.1mg/ml of PVP-I showed positive reaction, but was negative in the healthy 10 volunteers used as control. Moreover, the reaction of patch testing with 100mg/ml of PVP-I was negative in this patient.From the facts stated above, we may conclude that the patient has an anaphylactic reaction of immediate type to PVP-I.