CONSULT ROUNDS: Dialysis Membrane Reactions- Type B

Lets focus on the Type B reaction. This is much less common.
Few take home points
1. Can be seen with the new cellulosic membranes
2. Usually can occur hours into dialysis, doesn't follow the Type A rule of in first 5-10 minutes
3. Can cause hypotension, SOB, back pain and sometimes anaphylaxis
4. Its a complement induced process rather than an ethylene oxide antibody reaction as in type A
5. Can lead to neutropenia
6. Eventually improves as dialysis continues
7. The syndrome is usually prevent by the reuse of the dialyzer which then will reduce the complement levels.