Fatal anaphylactic reaction to protamine after femoropopliteal by-pass surgery.

Abstract

Background and aims: Administration of protamine might cause serious complications especially in patients treated preoperatively with NPH insulin.

Material and methods: A case report.

Results and conclusion: Administration of protamine sulphate caused fatal anaphylactic reaction to a diabetic patient undergoing femoropopliteal by-pass surgery. Care should be taken when administering protamine to a patient treated preoperatively with NPH insulin and the possibility of an anaphylactid reaction to protamine have to be kept in mind.