Pyrogenic reactions and hemorrhage associated with intrinsic exposure to endotoxin-contaminated intravenous solutions.

Objective: An epidemiological investigation was conducted to determine risk factors for adverse reactions among patients in hospitals and the possibility of extrinsic or intrinsic contamination of intravenous solutions.

Design: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify solutions associated with adverse reactions. Implicated lots were cultured for bacteria, and endotoxin concentrations were measured.