Anaphylaxis to Chlorhexidine-Coated Central Venous Catheters: A Case Series and Review of the Literature
- 1 June 2012
- journal article
- case report
- Published by Mary Ann Liebert Inc in Surgical Infections
- Vol. 13 (3), 171-174
- https://doi.org/10.1089/sur.2011.011
Abstract
Background: Anaphylactic reactions to chlorhexidine are rare but are being reported increasingly in association with a variety of products. Methods: We report three cases of anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine in patients presenting for cardiac surgery. Results: In each case, anaphylaxis was precipitated by the insertion of a central venous catheter impregnated with chlorhexidine acetate. Subsequent investigations confirmed chlorhexidine as the causal agent. Conclusion: Extensive use of chlorhexidine to reduce hospital-acquired infections has the potential to sensitize a small proportion of patients, leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis on subsequent exposure.Keywords
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