%0 Journal Article
%T A case series of anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine
%A Chris J Cokis
%A Peter A Baird
%J Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
%@ 1448-0271
%D 2019
%R 10.1177/0310057X18811814
%X Abstract We report a case series of anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine-coated central venous catheters (CVCs) when used in cardiac surgical patients in our institution. Our experience, together with increasing reports of anaphylaxis to chlorhexidine-coated CVCs from other sources indicates that chlorhexidine-coated CVCs are not without additional risk. Attempts to lower rates of catheter-related bloodstream infection has led to the widespread adoption of chlorhexidine-coated CVCs in the perioperative and critical care setting, including for routine cardiac surgery. However, closer scrutiny indicates that there is lack of strong evidence demonstrating a meaningful reduction in rates of sepsis or serious morbidity, especially with CVC dwell times of less than seven days. Given the lack of clear benefit, we recommend non-coated CVCs for routine cardiac surgery, with even consideration for chlorhexidine-coated CVCs when specifically indicated for patients at high risk of CVC infection
%K Chlorhexidine
%K anaphylaxis
%K cardiopulmonary bypass
%K cardiac surgery
%K central venous access
%K infection
%U https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0310057X18811814