Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine is increasingly recognised in the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND

Chlorhexidine is widely used as an antiseptic agent. It is a potentially allergenic substance that can cause severe hypersensitivity reactions.

OBJECTIVE

We describe six patients who had anaphylactic reactions attributed to chlorhexidine during surgery. These patients were exposed to chlorhexidine in gels, swabs and catheters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Six patients from three UK centres with clinical history suggestive of anaphylaxis during surgery are reported. Detailed history, review of case notes, determination of chlorhexidine specific IgE, mast cell tryptase and skin tests were performed.

RESULTS

On detailed assessment five of six patients demonstrated a previous history of reactions on re-exposure to chlorhexidine. All six patients had elevated specific IgE to chlorhexidine. Skin prick test with chlorhexidine was performed in four of the six patients and was found to be positive.

CONCLUSION

Immediate hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine appears to be common but underreported in the UK. We recommend that centres investigating patients with reactions during anaesthesia and surgery should routinely include testing for chlorhexidine allergy.