Chlorhexidine Allergy: Mild Allergic Reactions Can Precede Anaphylaxis in the Healthcare Setting
PDF

Case Report

Chlorhexidine Allergy: Mild Allergic Reactions Can Precede Anaphylaxis in the Healthcare Setting

Turk J Anaesthesiol Reanim 2019;47(4):342-344 DOI: 10.5152/TJAR.2019.22058
,
PDF
Permissions

Abstract

Chlorhexidine can cause severe immediate-type allergic reactions such as urticaria, anaphylactic shock or, even, cardiac arrest. We report the case of a patient who developed perioperative anaphylactic shock caused by chlorhexidine 1 year after a postoperative urticarial reaction, which was assumed not to be significant at the time. This case highlights the importance of identifying mild allergy symptoms after exposure to chlorhexidine at the pre-anaesthetic assessment to prevent more severe allergic reactions in future.

Keywords: Allergy, anaphylaxis, chlorhexidine, drug allergy, perioperative