Dextran-induced pulmonary edema in patients with sudden deafness.
OBJECTIVE
Pulmonary complication in cases of sudden deafness after dextran treatment is rarely reported. This study discusses the management of two cases and reviews the current literature.


METHODS
Two (1%) of 204 patients with sudden deafness patients had fever, cough, and dyspnea after intravenous dextran infusion. Pulmonary edema was diagnosed after chest radiographic examination.


RESULTS
After interruption of dextran, subsequent supportive treatment relieved chest discomfort and fever without any sequelae. The results of chest radiograph and laboratory studies, including hemogram, renal function, and arterial blood oxygen saturation, were normal.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients receiving dextran treatment should have their clinical symptoms, renal function, chest radiographs, hemogram, and coagulation profiles monitored. If fever, bleeding, cough, or dyspnea occurs during treatment, dextran must be immediately stopped. Subsequent treatment should focus on dextran clearance to prevent further cascade complications.
Kuo
Shuo-Tzung
ST
Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei.
Hsu
Wei-Chung
WC
Young
Yi-Ho
YH
D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D003911:Dextrans / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006319:Hearing Loss, Sensorineural / Q000175:diagnosis; D003639:Hearing Loss, Sudden / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000925:Anticoagulants; D003911:Dextrans