RE: Anaphylaxsis

[Mullins, Lilia]

Title: Anaphylaxsis

Dear colleagues, on this same thread, I just returned from a short in-service @ our out-patient cancer institute and was asked a question I could not answer, seeking your advise and knowledge regarding Taxol infusions.  They have noticed within 6cc of Taxol infusion via a DEHP free, saline primed infusion set, some patients are experiencing anaphylactoid type symptoms, flushing, SOB, almost at the point where one would think the patient should just be receiving the saline, as the prime volume on this tubing is 22cc’s.  Any explanations? Thanks in advance,   Lilia Mullins, RN, CRNI   Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA Clinical Supervisor - IV Therapy (206) 215-3211 - pager; (206) 559-3234 [EMAIL PROTECTED]   From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Erickson, Wendy Sent: Wednesday, April 12, 2006 5:42 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Anaphylaxsis   An interesting anecdote for you PICC nurses!  My newest most insecure PICC nurse had quite a weekend.  She placed a PICC in a patient, using MST and ultrasound, and everything went smoothly.  She had the dressing on and had flushed with Heparin and was just beginning to clean up the sterile field and the patient said she felt funny in the head.  They put her head back thinking she was feeling faint.  Then the patient said she needed a bucket, she was going to throw up, which she did.  Then she said she couldn't breathe!  And then she lit up like a Christmas tree with hives from head to toe!  They called for help and the PICC nurse, scared to death, pulled the PICC out.  The patient was treated with benadryl and O2 and was monitored closely, her symptoms resolved and she got through it ok.  The physician indicated it was an allergic reaction to something - heparin, lidocaine, the PICC material itself (polyurethane), who knows..  The chart was marked with both the heparin and lido allergy. My poor nurse had the poop scared out of her - as I think we all would have had!  This, of course, was a lady that the PICC nurse had to work hard at convincing the patient and her son of the benefits of a PICC line!  Anyone ever see this happen?  Anything suggestions other than to not place a PICC in this lady ever again? Wendy Erickson RN PICC Service Coordinator Luther Hospital - Mayo Health System Eau Claire WI ********************Confidentiality Notice******************** This message is intended for the sole use of the individual and entity to whom it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution of this email message, including any attachment, is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please advise the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you.