Anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine-coated central venous catheters: a case series and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Anaphylactic reactions to chlorhexidine are rare but are being reported increasingly in association with a variety of products. METHODS: We report three cases of anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine in patients presenting for cardiac surgery. RESULTS: In each case, anaphylaxis was precipitated by the insertion of a central venous catheter impregnated with chlorhexidine acetate. Subsequent investigations confirmed chlorhexidine as the causal agent. CONCLUSION: Extensive use of chlorhexidine to reduce hospital-acquired infections has the potential to sensitize a small proportion of patients, leading to life-threatening anaphylaxis on subsequent exposure.