Heparin leak from a hemodialysis catheter causing major bleeding, ultimately leading to transplant rejection and death

Hemodial Int. 2008 Oct;12(4):431-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1542-4758.2008.00306.x.

Abstract

Leakage of hemodialysis catheter-locking solutions into the circulation has been reported in in vitro and in vivo studies, although there have been few reports of serious clinical adverse events. We describe a case of heparin leak from a hemodialysis catheter, which caused significant clinical bleeding requiring multiple transfusions and may have ultimately been responsible for the patient's death after transplantation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / pharmacokinetics
  • Catheterization / adverse effects*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Graft Rejection / etiology
  • Heparin / pharmacokinetics*
  • Humans
  • Jugular Veins
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / surgery
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / therapy*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Hemorrhage / chemically induced*
  • Renal Dialysis*

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Heparin