Galarza-Ibáñez et al. (2026)
Abstract
Background: Perioperative anaphylaxis associated with rocuronium may cause cardiovascular
collapse and bronchospasm within minutes. Sugammadex has added a further controversy:
encapsulation of rocuronium may contribute to recovery in selected cases, whereas sugammadex
itself and the rocuronium–sugammadex complex may also trigger anaphylaxis, and both are
predominantly eliminated through the kidneys. Objective: To integrate clinical evidence on
recognition, treatment, and diagnostic confirmation of rocuronium-induced anaphylaxis,
emphasizing acute kidney injury, pre-existing renal dysfunction, and the safety of neuromuscular
reversal. Methods: Integrative clinical review with a structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE,
OpenAlex, and reference lists through August 31, 2026. Guidelines, epidemiologic studies,
rocuronium anaphylaxis case reports/series, and pharmacokinetic or clinical studies of
sugammadex in renal impairment were prioritized. Results: Rocuronium remains an important
trigger of perioperative anaphylaxis. Epinephrine and rapid crystalloid resuscitation are the initial
treatment; sugammadex should not replace these measures. A 2026 summary of 133 cases
associated with rocuronium, sugammadex, or their complex attributed 83 cases to rocuronium,
with 24 receiving sugammadex as part of treatment. Evidence of hemodynamic benefit remains
observational and heterogeneous. In severe renal impairment, clearance of sugammadex and
rocuronium is reduced and exposure to the complex is prolonged. Although recent studies show
effective neuromuscular reversal in severe chronic kidney disease, regulatory labeling continues
to advise against use when creatinine clearance is <30 mL/min. Conclusions: Rocuronium-
induced anaphylaxis requires immediate recognition, early epinephrine, fluid resuscitation, and
subsequent allergy evaluation. Renal assessment should begin during stabilization by monitoring
perfusion, urine output, creatinine, and fluid balance. Sugammadex may be considered only as
an individualized adjunct in highly probable, refractory rocuronium anaphylaxis, after weighing
renal function and the risk of hypersensitivity to sugammadex or the complex.
Keywords: rocuronium; perioperative anaphylaxis; sugammadex; acute kidney injury; renal
impairment; neuromuscular blockade; general anesthesia.
que el rocuronio continúa siendo un
1
. Introducción
desencadenante relevante, aunque
la frecuencia absoluta varía entre
países y patrones de exposición
La anafilaxia perioperatoria es
infrecuente, pero puede progresar en
pocos minutos a shock distributivo
profundo, broncoespasmo grave,
isquemia miocárdica, paro cardiaco y
daño multiorgánico. El proyecto
(4,5).
El rocuronio es un bloqueador
neuromuscular aminosteroideo de
inicio rápido, ampliamente utilizado
NAP6
estimó
una
incidencia
para
facilitar
la
Las
intubación
reacciones
aproximada de un episodio de
anafilaxia grave por cada 10.000
endotraqueal.
inmediatas pueden ser mediadas por
IgE frente a determinantes de
amonio cuaternario o, en algunos
casos, por activación mastocitaria no
clásica, incluida la vía MRGPRX2
anestesias
y
situó
neuromusculares
principales grupos
a
los
bloqueadores
entre
los
causales, junto con los antibióticos y
la clorhexidina (1–3). Estudios
prospectivos recientes confirman
(5–7). La presentación puede
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