Heparin leak from a hemodialysis catheter causing major bleeding, ultimately leading to transplant rejection and death

Abstract

Leakage of hemodialysis catheter-locking solutions into the circulation has been reported in in vitro and in vivo studies, although there have been few reports of serious clinical adverse events. We describe a case of heparin leak from a hemodialysis catheter, which caused significant clinical bleeding requiring multiple transfusions and may have ultimately been responsible for the patient's death after transplantation.