Intravenous chlorhexidine gluconate causing acute respiratory distress syndrome

Case Report: A 67-year-old mart undergoing a colectomy for colon cancer was unintentionally administered 0.8 mg of chlorhexidine gluconate intravenous ly and subsequently developed acute respiratory distress syndrome. The oper ation was discontinued immediately. Respiratory failure progressed despite three cycles of plasma exchange beginning on day 1. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for 72 h beginning on day 3 was associated with dramatic impro vement. The patient showed complete recovery of intellectual function and s ubsequently underwent a colectomy with lymph node dissection for colon canc er. Conclusion: For acute respiratory, distress syndrome secondary to chlor hexidine gluconate intoxication, consideration should be given to the treat ment of initial respiratory distress and subsequent pneumonia. The benefit of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and plasma exchange may merit furthe r investigation.