Acute renal failure in a healthy young adult after dextran 40 infusion for external-ear reattachment surgery.

Dextran 40 is used to improve the microcirculation after certain surgical procedures. We report a rare case of acute anuric renal failure in a healthy young adult after administration of dextran 40 to improve the microcirculation following ear-reattachment surgery. The renal failure was subsequently reversed by plasmapheresis and intensive care support. Although rare in the young and fit, the risk of developing acute anuric renal failure exists with administration of dextran 40 and appropriate monitoring is essential. Copyright 2000 The British Association of Plastic Surgeons.