Korean J Anesthesiol.  2007 Jan;52(1):104-106. 10.4097/kjae.2007.52.1.104.

Chlorhexidine Anaphylaxis after Urethral Catheterization during Anesthesia : A case report

• Kim TH
• Cho SJ
• Kim HJ
• Noh GJ

• KMID: 2236652
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2007.52.1.104

Abstract

Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic and disinfectant that has eliminating effects on gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, some mycobacteria, candida albicans, and some viruses. There have been a few reports regarding severe adverse reactions associated with chlorhexidine. But, there was no report about the anaphylactic shock due to chlorhexidine during anesthesia in Korea. We report a severe anaphylaxis reaction after the use of chlorhexidine jelly for the urethral catheterization, presenting the positive skin test for chlorhexidine. This case shows that the 'innocent' products such as urethral lubricants may elicit serious life-threatening reactions.

Keyword

anaphylactic shock; chlorhexidine

MeSH Terms

Anaphylaxis*
Anesthesia*
Candida albicans
Chlorhexidine*
Gram-Negative Bacteria
Gram-Positive Bacteria
Korea
Lubricants
Skin Tests
Urinary Catheterization*
Urinary Catheters*
Chlorhexidine
Lubricants