Anaphylactic Reaction to Dextrans

Abstract

DEXTRANS have been used extensively as plasma expanders¹ and for the treatment of venous thrombosis and emboli,² traumatic occlusion of vessels,³ peripheral ischemia⁴ and arterial emboli.⁵ Despite a large clinical experience with this material in Europe and America, no serious reactions have been reported. The following three cases of severe and anaphylactic reactions followed the use of dextrans during a 12-month period in one community hospital.A 52-year-old woman was admitted to Sinai Hospital of Baltimore for chemotherapy after excision of a malignant melanoma of the left leg 3 weeks before. She had no known allergies. Two weeks after regional . . .