title: Anaphylaxis to an urethral lubricant: chlorhexidine as the "hidden" allergen.
abstract: We report on a severe allergic reaction during urethral catheterisation, initially erroneously attributed to natural rubber latex (NRL). However, the negative investigations for latex, the uneventful further applications of NRL, the positive skin test and basophil activation test for chlorhexidine strongly support diagnosis of chlorhexidine anaphylaxis. This case illustrates that it is not widely appreciated that "innocent" products such as urethral lubricants may elicit serious life-threatening reactions. Careful inspection of the medical records is once again re-emphasised to be mandatory in order to avert subsequent anaphylaxis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology-Allergology-Rheumatology, University Antwerp, Belgium.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Ebo
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Bridts
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000032:analysis; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000032:analysis; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis; D008153:Lubrication; D008297:Male; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D060149:Tetraspanin 30; D014521:Urethra; D014546:Urinary Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D015703:Antigens, CD; C554586:CD63 protein, human; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D010980:Platelet Membrane Glycoproteins; D060149:Tetraspanin 30; D002710:Chlorhexidine