Chlorhexidine Anaphylaxis

At a recent clinical meeting, our local allergy guru Helen Crilly spoke about the growing and potentially lethal problem of chlorhexidine allergy. Helen has graciously provided the source documents for the chlorhexidine allergy kits that have recently been added to the red anaphylaxis boxes.

From Helen;

Please find attached docs from the Friday night meeting as promised. Other than the ANZCA Docs these aids are not endorsed – just what I use to manage chlorhexidine free when I have a case. We are going to develop this and ultimately get it up on ANZAAG website.

The documents are mostly in word format so that they can be customised according to local needs.

  • Drug infusion guidelines for JFH
  • Docs for chlorhex free management including ANZCA docs
  • Chlorhex stickers – Wipes sticker is meant to be placed near all injection points to prevent wiping of IV line access points. The Chlorhexidine anaphylaxis label can be used on cover of chart or other documents that you want to highlight chlorhex allergy, on patient wrist bands (or patient forehead if necessary!) These should be printed on 14 sticker (7×2) Avery template L7163FP – available from Officeworks in a variety of colours (I prefer the fluoro pink).
  • Chlorhex signs – sent as word docs in case anyone wants to customise. Best if they are laminated.

Clinical Meeting, Friday 3rd March

(Posted on behalf of Peter McLaren)

Hi,

Although I distributed notices of these dates earlier, I apologise for this late reminder. This Friday, Helen Crilly will present several cases of anaphylaxis that profile the presentation and management of this gut-tightening anaesthetic emergency. The venue is the boardroom of Pindara Hospital, situated at the end of the main entrance corridor. 5.30 for 6. Food and drink supplied. Please RSVP for catering purposes.

The sponsor will be Nicole Marr from Teleflex, who are the current marketing agents in Australia for the LMA range of products. LMA have recently released a couple of new and exciting (well, for me, anyway) products.

Regards,

Peter McLaren