Two episodes of life-threatening anaphylaxis in the same patient to a chlorhexidine-sulphadiazine-coated central venous catheter

Chlorhexidine allergy has been described in the literature, mainly in Japan ese individuals. Most reactions have been limited to the skin, mild in seve rity and a result of chlorhexidine containing solutions such as 'Savlon' (N ovartis Consumer Health, Horesham, UK). We describe what we believe isr the first reported case of anaphylaxis in a European patient to a chlorhexidin e-sulphadiazine-coated central venous catheter.