Case report of an anaphylactoid reaction to arginine.
BACKGROUND
Arginine is an agent commonly used to evaluate adequacy of growth hormone (GH) secretion. Because arginine is a simple amino acid, it is considered safe and rarely causes adverse reactions.


OBJECTIVE
To report the second anaphylactoid reaction to arginine in a child undergoing stimulation testing with arginine for assessing GH secretion.


METHODS
Allergy skin testing to arginine was performed with a protocol similar to penicillin testing 4 weeks after the anaphylactoid reaction.


RESULTS
Testing revealed a positive response to the arginine.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of intravenous arginine as a test of GH reserve remains safe and effective, but it is prudent to have the equipment and medication available to treat an allergic reaction.
Resnick
David J
DJ
Department of Pediatrics, The Babies and Children's Hospital, New York, New York 10032, USA. djr115@juno.com
Softness
Barney
B
Murphy
Allison R
AR
Aranoff
Gaya S
GS
Levine
Lenore S
LS
D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000209:etiology*; D001120:Arginine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D001120:Arginine