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Seafood allergy in cooks: a case series and review of the literature
Author(s) -
Dickel Heinrich,
Bruckner Thomas,
Altmeyer Peter,
Künzlberger Beate
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
jddg: journal der deutschen dermatologischen gesellschaft
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.463
H-Index - 60
eISSN - 1610-0387
pISSN - 1610-0379
DOI - 10.1111/ddg.12456
Subject(s) - medicine , epidemiology , disease , discontinuation , anaphylactic shock , allergy , pediatrics , surgery , anaphylaxis , immunology
Summary Background Seafood is a very potent allergen. Epidemiological studies of seafood allergy in the highly exposed cooking profession are lacking. The objective of this first case series was to demonstrate the high relevance and consequences of seafood allergy in cooks. Patients und Methods Retrospective analysis of all the case files sent in which the presence of an occupational disease according to no. 5101 of the appendix of the German ordinance on industrial disease was to be clarified. Results Thirty cooks (men 70 %) with an occupational seafood allergy were assessed between January 2008 and April 2014. Seafood allergy was observed in young workers (median age 24.7 yrs.) with an early manifestation of the disease (after median employment time of 1.7 years). In all except one (96.7 %) onset was localized on the hands. Most commonly documented were immediate sensitizations to cod, salmon, trout, and herring. Emergency treatment due to an anaphylactic shock at the workplace became necessary in 5 cases (16.7 %). In 27 cases (90 %) discontinuation of occupation was needed and occurred after a median job period of 6.3 years. Conclusions Seafood allergy in cooks is mostly characterized by a quick progressive course of disease, generally at the start of the cooking career. The prognosis for continuance in occupation is poor and an occupational disease must be considered at an early stage. An emergency kit with an epinephrine auto‐injector should be provided for life by the responsible accident insurer.