Anaphylactic shock and death caused by compound chlorhexidine gargle

VernacularTitle:复方氯己定含漱液致过敏性休克并死亡
Author: Suxin WAN ¹ ; Yi XIANG ; Gu HUANG ; Yaping XIAO ; Qiuyan SUN
Author Information

1. 重庆大学附属三峡医院药学部，重庆　404010
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Chlorhexidine; Anaphylaxis; Shock; Death
From: Adverse Drug Reactions Journal 2023;25(11):695-696
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: A 77 year-old female patient was treated with compound chlorhexidine gargle to rinse the pus cavity due to gingival abscess. After 10 minutes, the patient developed palpitation and pale face, followed by respiratory failure, undetectable blood pressure, inaccessible arterial pulsation, no spontaneous breathing, and disappearance of pupillary light reflex, which was considered as anaphylactic shock. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, endotracheal intubation mechanical ventilation, intravenous infusion of dopamine, intravenous injection of epinephrine and other resuscitation were given immediately. About 40 minutes later, the patient returned to sinus rhythm (141 beats/min), blood pressure was 70/40 mmHg. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit to continue the treatments such as fluid infusion, organ protection, mild hypothermia brain protection, prevention of epilepsy, correction of electrolyte disorders etc. Despite active rescue and treatments, the patient still died 6 days later due to a recurrence of cardiac arrest.