title: Hypersensitivity reactions to synthetic haemodialysis membranes.
abstract: Undergoing a haemodialysis (HD) session poses a certain risk of hypersensitivity adverse reactions as large quantities of blood are in contact with various synthetic materials. Hypersensitivity reactions to ethylene oxide and non-biocompatible membranes, such as cuprophane, have been described in HD. Cases of hypersensitivity with biocompatible membranes, such as polysulfone, and even polysulfone-polyvinylpyrrolidone, have also been reported. In this article we describe six cases of mostly early-stage hypersensitivity reactions to HD occurring in our department, characterised by malaise, desaturation, bronchospasm and arterial hypotension, with good response to the session&rsquo;s temporary suspension and with reappearance in subsequent sessions that used a synthetic dialyser. No hypersensitivity reactions reappeared in successive observations when the sessions were carried out using a cellulose membrane.
authors.forename: Rafael J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Sánchez-Villanueva
authors.forename: Elena
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: González
authors.forename: Santiago
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Quirce
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Díaz
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Alvarez
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Menéndez
authors.forename: Lucía
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Gayo
authors.forename: M Auxiliadora
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bajo
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Selgas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008875:Middle Aged; D009757:Nylons; D011108:Polymers; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013450:Sulfones
chemical_list: D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D009757:Nylons; D011108:Polymers; D013450:Sulfones; C017662:polysulfone P 1700