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Prick testing with chemicals in the diagnosis of occupational contact urticaria and respiratory diseases
Author(s) -
Helaskoski Eva,
Suojalehto Hille,
Kuuliala Outi,
AaltoKorte Kristiina
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12308
Subject(s) - medicine , occupational asthma , contact urticaria , ammonium persulfate , allergy , dermatology , isocyanate , asthma , contact dermatitis , hypersensitivity pneumonitis , immunology , lung , organic chemistry , chemistry , polyurethane , polymerization , polymer
Summary Background Little is known about the use of prick tests with chemicals in diagnosing occupational diseases. Objective To evaluate the use of prick tests in the diagnosis of occupational contact urticaria, asthma and rhinitis caused by chemicals (undertaken at the F innish I nstitute of O ccupational H ealth). Material and methods We retrospectively reviewed the patient and test files for the period 1 J anuary 1991 to 31 M ay 2011. Prick tests were performed with chemical solutions and human serum albumin ( HSA )–chemical conjugates. Results Positive prick test reactions to isocyanate– HSA conjugates were associated with isocyanate‐specific IgE in all 20 patients, and 17 patients had a relevant occupational disease. Positive reactions to chloramine‐ T–HSA conjugates in 10 patients also indicated the presence of specific IgE , although occupational diseases were not always diagnosed. Eleven of 17 patients with positive reactions to persulfate solutions were diagnosed with an occupational disease. Methacrylates, colophonium‐related substances, amine hardeners, ethanolamines, glutaraldehyde, glyoxal, pyrocatechol and ammonium thioglycolate did not elicit any relevant prick test reactions. No generalized reactions were detected. Conclusion Prick tests can be safely used for diagnosing contact urticaria, asthma and rhinitis caused by isocyanates, chloramine‐ T , persulfates, and chlorhexidine, but the results should be carefully interpreted and related to clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests.