Sociedad Americana de Hirudoterapia

Anaphylactoid reactions associated with contaminated heparin from China

Review published in Annales pharmaceutiques francaises (2011)

Última actualización: June 18, 2026Revisado por: ASH Editorial Board
Research article — evidence reviewArticle reference
Evidence: Narrative reviewEnsayos clínicosSeguridad y control de infeccionesMontpas N et al. · Annales pharmaceutiques francaises, 2011

Abstract

In January 2008, fatal anaphylactoid reaction (AR) was found to be associated with oversulfated chondroitin sulphate (OSCS) contaminated heparin. Although attributed to bradykinin released during contact system activation by OSCS, no final evidence until now exists for a bradykinin release during incubation of contaminated heparin with human plasma. The first objective of our study was to measure and to characterize the kinetic profile of bradykinin release in human plasma incubated with OSCS and contaminated heparin. As these AR occurred mainly in the first minutes of the dialysis session, we examine the different factors likely to influence the kinin-forming capacity of OSCS: dilution of plasma, presence of an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor, capacity of the patient to metabolise kinins.

Abstract sourced from PubMed (NCBI) for the cited record. See the original publication for the authoritative version.

Publication typeEnglish AbstractJournal ArticleReview
Indexed MeSH termsAminopeptidasesAnaphylaxisAngiotensin-Converting Enzyme InhibitorsAnticoagulantsBradykininChinaChondroitin SulfatesDialysisDrug ContaminationHeparinHumansKinins

Resumen

In January 2008, fatal anaphylactoid reaction (AR) was found to be associated with oversulfated chondroitin sulphate (OSCS) contaminated heparin.

Por qué esto importa para la hirudoterapia

This article examines the 2008 crisis of fatal anaphylactoid reactions associated with oversulfated chondroitin sulfate (OSCS)-contaminated heparin, focusing on characterizing the kinetic profile of bradykinin release in human plasma incubated with OSCS and contaminated heparin. It also explores factors likely to influence the kinin-forming capacity of OSCS, such as plasma dilution, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and patient kinin metabolism. The study provides mechanistic insight into how contaminants in biological anticoagulant products can trigger severe adverse reactions. However, this work has no direct involvement with leeches or the leech secretome; its relevance to hirudotherapy is purely conceptual and indirect, limited to general safety considerations around biological therapeutics.

Citación

Anaphylactoid reactions associated with contaminated heparin from China

Montpas N et al. · Annales pharmaceutiques francaises, 2011

Contexto clínico relacionado

Añadido a la biblioteca ASH: May 27, 2026 · Última actualización del sitio: June 18, 2026

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