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[Occupational asthma due to cyanoacrylate: a case-report]
P Marraccini1, M Previdi, P Costamagna
1Dipartimento di Medicina del Lavoro e Sicurezza negli Ambiente di Lavoro, Istituti Clinici di Perfezionamento Milano.
La Medicina Del Lavoro
|March 1, 2005
Summary
Occupational asthma can be caused by cyanoacrylates, commonly used in adhesives. A bronchial challenge test is the only reliable method for diagnosing this condition, as other tests are not feasible.
Area of Science:
- Occupational medicine
- Pulmonology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Acrylic compounds, including ethyl cyanoacrylate, are increasingly used in industrial, home repair, and hobby applications.
- These substances are recognized for their potential to cause skin sensitization, mucous membrane irritation, and respiratory issues like bronchial asthma.
- While methyl cyanoacrylate is a moderate sensitizer, ethyl cyanoacrylate is considered a weak sensitizer.
Observation:
- A 32-year-old female worker developed a dry cough and shortness of breath after two months of daily ethyl cyanoacrylate use.
- Her symptoms progressed to bronchial asthma within weeks.
- The diagnosis of occupational asthma was supported by work-related symptom patterns and a positive inhalation challenge test.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited a late asthmatic response, with a maximum forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) decrease of 26% occurring 345 minutes post-exposure.
- Complete clinical and functional recovery was achieved after administration of a bronchodilator.
- Acrylates are identified as emerging occupational sensitizers responsible for rhinitis and asthma.
Implications:
- Occupational asthma due to acrylates is a growing concern in various industries.
- Standard allergy tests like prick tests and specific IgE measurements are not viable for diagnosing acrylate sensitivity.
- The bronchial challenge test is currently the definitive diagnostic tool for occupational asthma caused by these agents.