Late-onset pulmonary edema and disseminated intravascular coagulation due to latex anaphylaxis.

BACKGROUND

Anaphylaxis after the administration of tissue expanders has been reported. Late onset hypotension, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and pulmonary edema due to the tissue expanders have not been reported.

METHODS

In this case report, late onset hypotension, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary edema due to the administration of tissue expanders were described.

RESULTS

The authors report a 16-year-old girl with burn scar deformities scheduled for reconstruction of the scar contractures with insertion of tissue expanders in which the administration of latex tissue expanders was associated with late onset hypotension, thrombocytopenia, disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary edema. Skin tests performed for latex demonstrated strong positive weal and flare reactions.

CONCLUSIONS

Late onset anaphylactic reactions due to latex tissue expanders, an unusual unpredictable adverse reaction, must be kept in mind. Early recognition and proper emergent treatment are essential to reversing this complication.