Hypersensitivity reactions to ethylene oxide: clinical experience

A hypersensitivity reaction occurring in the first minute of the dialysis procedure was observed in seven haemodialysis patients in one day. Hollow-fibre dialysers were used, five made of saponified cellulose ester (SCE) and two of cuprammonium cellulose (CC). All were sterilised with ethylene oxide (ETO) and used for the first time. The severity of the reactions was grade 2. The whole series of dialysers was examined for the presence of ETO concentration. A significantly higher concentration of ETO was found in the polyurethane potting than in the capillaries. The ETO concentrations were 122, 185, 440, 274, 342, and 280 p.p.m. in the following dialysers: Cordis Dow (cellulose acetate CA), Cordis Dow-Plivadial (SCE), Fresenius C-1.3 (CC), Fresenius E-2 (CC), Fresenius E-3 (CC), and Travenol-Medial S 11 flate plate (CC) respectively. According to the clinical signs, ETO concentrations in the dialysers and the lack of reaction when extensive rinsing was used, it can be presumed that these reactions are related to ETO although other mechanisms cannot be excluded.