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Systematic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)-Like Reaction Following the Infusion of the Unregulated IV Supplement Hemobex

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Unregulated supplements are increasingly used for perceived health and fitness benefits, including parenteral formulations administered without medical oversight. Infusions of such products can trigger systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)-like reactions that mimic sepsis and may prompt full sepsis protocol activation. We report the case of a previously healthy 21-year-old male who, within 24 hours of receiving an IV "Hemobex" preparation (a vitamin B complex with liver extract) obtained outside of medical oversight, developed acute fever, tachycardia, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalopathy, leukopenia, followed by marked leukocytosis, elevated transaminases, and lactic acidosis. Comprehensive infectious and toxicologic workup - including blood cultures, chest radiography, abdominal/pelvic CT, lumbar puncture, and viral studies - was unrevealing. He was managed with guideline-based supportive care and empiric broad-spectrum antibiotics. Both his clinical condition and laboratory abnormalities normalized rapidly by hospital day three. The presentation is consistent with a cytokine-mediated SIRS-like reaction or culture-negative sepsis potentially triggered by an unregulated, animal-derivative-containing infusion. Regulatory authorities in Guatemala have issued warnings about "Hemobex" due to its lack of approval and reports of counterfeit products. Potential mechanisms include endotoxin contamination, cytokine release, and, less commonly, acute type I or type III hypersensitivity. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for toxic/immunogenic mimics of sepsis after unregulated IV supplement exposures, while continuing to manage patients according to sepsis guidelines until infection is ruled out. This report underscores the need for clinical vigilance and regulatory oversight in these scenarios.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.98171

Authors: Jace A Leslie, Michael Silberman, Vasilios Katsaitis

Institutions: Ascension, Saint Thomas - Rutherford Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center

Language: English

Topic: Sepsis Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4416830960