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Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine: literature review
E Beaudouin1, G Kanny, M Morisset
1Service de Médecine Interne, Immunologie Clinique et Allergologie, CHU de Nancy, Hôpital Central - 29, avenue de Lattre de Tassigny, 54035 Nancy, France.
European Annals of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
|June 8, 2004
Summary
Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine, a common antiseptic, can cause severe reactions like anaphylaxis, particularly during surgery. Prompt diagnosis via skin tests and strict avoidance are crucial for patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Dermatology
- Allergology
Background:
- Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic in medical and surgical settings.
- While delayed hypersensitivity reactions like eczema are common, immediate hypersensitivity is rarer.
- Immediate reactions can range from urticaria to life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the risk of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to chlorhexidine.
- To emphasize the occurrence of these reactions during surgical procedures.
- To recommend diagnostic and management strategies for chlorhexidine allergy.
Main Methods:
- Review of worldwide case reports on chlorhexidine-related anaphylaxis over the past decade.
- Analysis of the timing and clinical presentation of immediate hypersensitivity reactions.
- Discussion of diagnostic methods, including prick tests and intradermal reactions (IDR).
Main Results:
- Fifteen out of fifty reported cases of chlorhexidine anaphylaxis occurred during surgery.
- Symptoms typically manifest 15-45 minutes after anesthesia induction.
- Immediate hypersensitivity reactions, though rare, pose a significant risk.
Conclusions:
- Immediate allergy to chlorhexidine is a serious concern, especially in surgical patients.
- Prick tests and intradermal reactions are recommended for diagnosing suspected chlorhexidine allergy.
- Confirmed allergy necessitates strict avoidance of chlorhexidine, present in numerous products.
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Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...