Hypersensitivity reaction on first-time exposure to cuprophan hollow fiber dialyzer.

Forty-five patients who have been maintained on hemodialysis using a regenerated cellulose hollow fiber artificial kidney (HFAK) were dialyzed on a cuprophan HFAK for the first time. Three black patients (6.6%), one male and two females, ages 43-61, who had been stable on hemodialysis for 30-88 months developed hypersensitivity reactions. The recommended setup procedure was carefully followed. Within seconds in 1 patient and within 10-16 minutes in the remaining two, respiratory distress, urticaria, pruritus, hypertension/hypotension, and facial edema developed. Dialysis was discontinued immediately. They were treated with oxygen, epinephrine, and diphenhydramine. Two patients received IPPB treatments and one received IV methyl-prednisolone. After allowing 10-15 minutes for stabilization, the dialysis was resumed on a non-cuprophan HFAK. Patients were discharged with no sequelae. The cause of the hypersensitivity reaction is unknown. It could be due to substances used in the sterilization procedure, to the membrane itself, or to substances that leach out of the potting compound or membrane. Hypersensitivity reaction during hemodialysis has been reported to be very severe or even fatal. Personnel delivering direct patient care should be aware of the symptoms and react quickly with proper treatment. Patients suspected to have this reaction should be changed to a dialyzer without a cuprophan membrane.