Related Experiment Videos
Occupational asthma caused by Ipe (Tabebuia spp) dust
E Algranti1, E Medina Coeli Mendonça, S Amed Ali
1Division of Medicine, FUNDACENTRO, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. eduardo@fundacentro.gov.br
Background:
Ipe is a resistant hardwood that contains naphtoquinones. It is easily found and frequently used in South and Central America. Naphtoquinones are skin sensitizers.
Objective:
To describe a case of occupational asthma related to Ipe wood dust.
Methods:
The patient was submitted to a clinical evaluation consisting of a respiratory symptom questionnaire, occupational history, serial measurements of lung function by spirometry, skin prick tests, patch tests, specific IgE and specific bronchial provocation tests to Ipe dust.
Results:
Serial lung function measurements showed sustained regression of obstruction following removal from exposure. Skin prick tests, but not patch tests, were positive to Ipe, and a specific bronchial challenge showed a late asthmatic reaction. Specific IgE search was negative.
Conclusions:
Exposure to Ipe wood dust can lead to occupational asthma. The underlying mechanism should be investigated.