Which of the following sets are symptoms of a dialyzer membrane allergy?

• A. Sneezing, itching, hives
• B. Chest pain, fever, rash
• C. Sneezing, fever, fatigue
• D. Headache, nausea, dizziness

Answer: (A)

Dialyzer membrane allergy is an immediate-type allergic reaction to the membrane material, causing symptoms driven by histamine release that affect skin and mucous membranes. The combination of sneezing (nasal mucosa involvement), itching, and hives (urticaria) fits this pattern best because they reflect an allergic response rather than a fever, chest discomfort, or nonspecific symptoms. In contrast, fever or chest pain during dialysis points more toward other reactions or complications such as pyrogen reactions, infection, or cardiopulmonary issues, not a classic membrane allergy. If this allergic reaction is suspected, treatment focuses on stopping the exposure, addressing the histamine-mediated symptoms (for example with antihistamines), and considering a switch to a different dialyzer membrane or premedication strategies to prevent recurrence.