Veterinary and human toxicology
-
Secondary to the i.v. administration of a corn-derived dextrose solution, a 23-y-old pregnant female patient admitted to the hospital at term gestation developed an anaphylactic reaction. Orofacial swelling, difficulty in breathing, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmia, voice hoarseness, total body warmth and flushing occurred within 8 min of initiation of a 5% dextrose Lactated Ringer's solution. ⋯ A sample of suspect solution was sent to the manufacturer but no contamination was reported. Although the reaction elicited in this patient was rare, clinicians should be aware of the possibility of corn allergy due to the administration of i.v. fluids containing corn-derived dextrose.