Acute renal failure in a healthy young adult after dextran 40 infusion forexternal-ear reattachment surgery

Dextran 40 is used to improve the microcirculation after certain surgical p rocedures. We report a rare case of acute anuric renal failure in a healthy young adult after administration of dextran 40 to improve the microcircula tion following ear-reattachment surgery. The renal failure was subsequently reversed by plasmapheresis and intensive care support. Although rare in th e young and fit, the risk of developing acute anuric renal failure exists w ith administration of dextran 40 and appropriate monitoring is essential. ( C) 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.