Allergic reaction to polysulphone membrane dialyser masquerading as infection. (18th February 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mukaya, Japheth E; Jacobson, Mitchell S; Esprit, Don; Ajayi, Tokunbo
• Is Part Of: BMJ case reports. Volume 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-02-18
• Subjects: Medicine -- Case studies -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2014-208591
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1757-790X

Abstract

Abstract : Hypersensitivity reactions during haemodialysis are well documented in the literature. Most dialysis membrane reactions occur with ethylene oxide or non-biocompatible membranes and less frequently with biocompatible membranes. The symptoms are non-specific except for the temporal relationship typically occurring during the haemodialysis. Patients who present with the non-classic type of reaction pose a diagnostic challenge and clinicians must have a high index of suspicion. We present a non-classic presentation of a hypersensitivity reaction to a polysulfone membrane dialyser with recurrent fevers during and after haemodialysis, initially thought to be due to infection. After a series of negative work ups for infection, dialysis membrane reaction was considered and the patient improved after change of the membrane.