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Severe anaphylaxis to a new disinfectant: polyhexanide, a chlorhexidine polymer
J Olivieri1, P A Eigenmann, C Hauser
1Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospital.
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|January 15, 1999
Summary
Severe anaphylaxis was linked to Lavasept, a new disinfectant containing polyhexanide. This allergic reaction occurred even without prior exposure, highlighting potential risks of this surgical wound antiseptic.
Area of Science:
- Allergy and Immunology
- Surgical Safety
- Pharmacovigilance
Background:
- Polyhexanide, a polymerised form of chlorhexidine, is a component of the medical disinfectant Lavasept.
- Lavasept is a recently commercialized disinfectant, currently available only in Switzerland.
- Chlorhexidine is a widely used antiseptic, but its polymerised form, polyhexanide, is less understood in terms of allergic potential.
Observation:
- Two patients, an 18-year-old female and a 15-year-old male, developed severe anaphylaxis post-orthopaedic surgery.
- Anaphylaxis occurred after surgical wounds came into contact with Lavasept.
- One patient had no prior known exposure to polyhexanide, but both had previous exposure to chlorhexidine.
Findings:
- Immediate-type hypersensitivity to polyhexanide was diagnosed based on positive skin prick tests in both patients.
- Skin tests with chlorhexidine were negative in the affected patients.
- Control individuals tested negative for hypersensitivity to polyhexanide.
Implications:
- The disinfectant Lavasept can trigger anaphylactic reactions, even in individuals without a documented history of exposure to polyhexanide.
- This finding raises concerns about the safety profile of polyhexanide-containing disinfectants in clinical settings.
- Further research is needed to determine the frequency with which polyhexanide acts as an anaphylactogen and to establish broader safety guidelines.