[Anaphylactoid complications related to the use of 40,000- molecular weight dextran]

The intravenous administration of Dextran 40,000 (Rheomacrodes) was responsible in eight cases, for grave accidents, arising at the beginning of the injection. These were five cases of cardiovascular collapse and three of cardiac arrest. In 50 p. 100 of the cases, there was associated generalised erythma. The course was lethal in one case.