Two cases of anaphylactic reaction to gelatin induced by a chloral hydrate suppository

An accumulating number of reports have pointed out the importance of gelatin allergy in young children, which sometimes leads to a fatal outcome due to anaphylaxis.1,2 In Japan, most vaccines have been replaced with gelatin-free forms, whereas gelatin is still contained in many drugs and baby foods. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of gelatin-containing products. We have experienced two patients with anaphylactic symptoms induced by a chloral hydrate suppository, which contained gelatin, used for sedation before an electroencephalography (EEG) examination. Here, we present the clinical course of the patients and discuss the acquisition and mechanism of gelatin allergy.