Article Text
Summary
A 54-year-old man with end-stage renal failure attended for dialysis. Within seconds of applying 2% w/v chlorhexidine (ChloraPrep 3 mL Wand Applicator) to the skin surrounding the insertion point of his dialysis catheter (Tesio catheter), he developed pruritus, urticaria, shortness of breath, hypotension and reduced responsiveness. Treatment for anaphylaxis was initiated with rapid improvement of his symptoms, and he made a full recovery. Allergy to chlorhexidine was confirmed with skin testing, and the patient was warned against all future exposure to chlorhexidine. Subsequent dialysis without chlorhexidine was uneventful.
- allergy, asthma
- unwanted effects / adverse reactions
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Footnotes
Contributors All authors contributed to the article. SB wrote the majority of the article including the background, the case presentation, part of the discussion and the learning points sections. He carried out the allergy testing on the patient. He was also involved in the treatment and follow-up of the patient. SS wrote part of the discussion section and the learning points section. She carried out some of the literature search. LHG reviewed the article and suggested changes and improvements. She wrote sections of the discussion. VN was involved in writing the summary, the case presentation, the differential diagnosis, the outcome and follow-up and the discussion sections. She edited the whole article. She also took part in the allergy testing of the patient and was the consultant in charge of the patient’s allergy care.
Competing interests None declared.
Patient consent Obtained.
Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.