Severe reactions to Cuprophan capillary dialyzers.

Five severe reactions occurred in four maintenance hemodialysis patients 1 to 5 minutes after initiating dialysis with Cuprophan capillary dialyzers. All reactions were life-threatening and one resulted in death. Inadequate rinsing of the dialyzers was probably the cause of the reactions. The severe reactions were managed by immediate discontinuation of dialysis and the institution of supportive treatment. Antianaphylactic measures were also attempted, but their therapeutic effectiveness remains to be determined.