Nephrol Dial Transplant (2003) 18: 2354-2358
© 2003 European Renal Association-European Dialysis and Transplant Association
Original Article
Methaemoglobinaemia and haemolysis associated with hydrogen peroxide in a paediatric haemodialysis centre: a warning note
1Nephrology Clinic and Dialysis Unit, Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tikva and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv and 2Aylab Ltd, Tel Aviv, Israel
Correspondence and offprint requests to: Miriam Davidovits, MD, Nephrology Clinic and Dialysis Unit Schneider Children’s Medical Center of Israel, 14 Kaplan Street, Petah Tikva, Israel 49202. Email: joyces{at}clalit.org.il
Background. Haemodialysis exposes patients to contaminants in the dialysate. The AAMI standards deal only with two disinfectants, chlorine and chloramine. We report an event of methaemoglobinaemia and haemolysis related to an unsuspected disinfection agent.
Methods. Nine children aged 3–17 years undergoing dialysis after reconstruction of our paediatric dialysis unit developed methaemoglobinaemia of 3.1–11%, with a mean reduction in haemoglobin levels of 11.9 ± 5.9% (P < 0.001). Air bubbles were noted in the bloodlines. The water treatment system (WTS) of the dialysis unit is disinfected when necessary by adding concentrated hydrogen peroxide (HP) to the storage tank and circulating it through the re-circulation loop with draining and subsequent flushings. Total chlorine analysis of the water is performed by DPD-iodide colorimetric method.
Results. Dialysis water testing yielded a high chloramine concentration in the storage tank and points- of-use stations (3.08 and 2.06 p.p.m., respectively). However, this finding was not true for the tap water, and it also failed to explain the air bubbles in the dialysis tubing. The concentration of free chlorine was within the recommended range. Further investigation revealed that the WTS was disinfected by the service company during remodelling of the unit, without notification of the hospital staff. Since the DPD-iodide test is not specific, and in effect detects not only total chlorine, but all oxidants capable of oxidizing iodide, we assumed the culprit was residual HP that was inadequately flushed from the water system.
Conclusions. HP used for disinfection of the WTS can pose a serious dialysis risk if not flushed out properly. Total chlorine analysis should be performed before every dialysis session, and positive results should prompt further work-up for other oxidants. The clinical staff must always be involved in decisions regarding any intervention in the dialysis water system.
Keywords: children; haemodialysis; haemolysis; hydrogen peroxide; methaemoglobinaemia
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  N. Newbigging, W. Peel, E. Bell, and C. Isles Unexpected cyanosis in a haemodialysis patient--did someone add hydrogen peroxide to the dialysis water? NDT Plus, April 1, 2009; 2(2): 158 - 160. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|
|
|
|
|
A. Kazmi, R. Canada, and B. M. Wall Mechanical haemolysis related to the use of tandem dialyzers NDT Plus, April 1, 2008; 1(2): 89 - 91. [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|