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Contact sensitivity to arsenical compounds. Clinical and experimental studies
Dermatosen in Beruf Und Umwelt. Occupation and Environment
|January 1, 1986
Summary
Contact sensitivity to arsenic compounds is rare in dermatitis patients, with only 2 of 379 reacting. Further studies are needed to evaluate arsenic allergy in occupational dermatitis.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Allergology
Background:
- Arsenic compounds are known for their toxicity and have been implicated in various health issues.
- Contact sensitivity to metals like nickel and cobalt is common, but data on arsenic contact allergy is limited.
- Previous case reports suggest potential for contact sensitivity to arsenic, yet systematic data is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of contact sensitivity to two common arsenic compounds (sodium arsenate and sodium arsenite) in patients with dermatitis.
- To assess the allergenic potential of these arsenic compounds using the guinea pig maximization test (GPMT).
- To reconcile findings with existing literature on arsenic contact allergy.
Main Methods:
- Standard patch testing was performed on 379 dermatitis patients using arsenic compounds.
- Positive reactions were analyzed for patient history and concomitant allergies.
- The guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) was conducted to evaluate the allergenic potential of the arsenic compounds.
Main Results:
- Two out of 379 dermatitis patients (0.5%) showed positive reactions to the tested arsenic compounds.
- These patients reported no prior exposure to arsenicals and exhibited co-existing allergies to nickel and cobalt.
- The guinea pig maximization test (GPMT) classified the arsenic compounds as Grade-I-allergens.
Conclusions:
- Contact sensitivity to sodium arsenate and sodium arsenite appears uncommon in the general dermatitis patient population.
- The observed concomitant reactions to nickel and cobalt in sensitive patients warrant further investigation.
- Discrepancies between clinical patch test results and GPMT findings highlight the need for clinical studies in occupationally exposed individuals, particularly those with arsenical dermatitis.