Late-onset allergic reaction to povidone-iodine resulting in vulvar edema and urinary retention.
BACKGROUND
Povidone-iodine, a surgical antiseptic, is associated with adverse side effects ranging from minor skin irritation to anaphylaxis, with symptoms occurring within minutes and up to 8 hours after contact.


METHODS
We report a case of a patient, with no history of allergy to povidone-iodine, who developed an allergic reaction 24 hours after intraoperative exposure to povidone-iodine, presenting with acute urinary retention secondary to extensive vulvar edema, which resolved after administration of antihistamines.


CONCLUSIONS
Allergic reactions to povidone-iodine can be late in onset and, in vaginal surgeries, may present with atypical symptoms such as acute urinary retention secondary to vulvar edema. Prompt diagnosis and effective treatment requires strong clinical suspicion in patients presenting postoperatively with a known history of exposure.
Rahimi
Salma
S
From the Division of Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecology, Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York.
Lazarou
George
G
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D004487:Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011206:Povidone-Iodine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D014845:Vulvar Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D011206:Povidone-Iodine