[Adverse drug reaction of dextran-40: analysis of 57 cases]

Dextran-40 has long been used as a potential anticoagulant in hand surgery. From 1982 to 1989, it was given to 148 cases undergoing hand surgery. 57 of them developed adverse drug reaction due neither to overdose nor inappropriate use. Clinical manifestations and varieties of these reactions were verified. According to the standards issued by WHO, the reactions in these 57 cases were classified as having Grade I 9 cases, Grade II 26 cases; and other reactions 22 cases. The factors inducing reaction and the characteristics of the clinical manifestations were discussed. In spite of adverse reactions, Dextran-40 is still an effective anticoagulant widely used in the field of hand surgery. But it should be used with care.