[Latex-induced anaphylactic shock following graft reperfusion during renal transplantation]

We report a case of a young man with an allergy to latex who developed anaphylactic shock during anaesthesia for renal transplantation. All anaesthetic agents used before the episode were tested as potential allergens and only latex was shown to be positive. It appears that latex contamination in the graft was the cause since no materials containing latex were used during the operation. We feel it essential that donor organs should be removed in a totally latex-free environment. Such conditions will remove the risk of anaphylactic shock at the point of reperfusion of the transplant.