Chlorhexidine-associated transient hyperchloremia in an infant

Pediatr Dermatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;31(1):110-1. doi: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2012.01763.x. Epub 2012 May 29.

Abstract

An infant was cleansed with 2% clorhexidine gluconate (CHG) because of repeated sepsis episodes from skin colonization. Asymptomatic hyperchloremia ensued, most likely associated with CHG therapy. Fourty-eight hours after CHG therapy withdrawal, serum chloride levels returned to normal. Hyperchloremia may be a reversible adverse effect of extensive use of CHG.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local / adverse effects*
  • Chlorhexidine / adverse effects
  • Chlorhexidine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Chlorine / blood*
  • Dermatitis / complications
  • Dermatitis / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight
  • Sepsis / drug therapy*
  • Sepsis / etiology
  • Skin / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Chlorine
  • chlorhexidine gluconate
  • Chlorhexidine