Sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with occupational contact dermatitis seen at a work-related dermatology service, 2000 - 2014

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational dermatoses are common, especially contact dermatitis. Epidemiological studies on these dermatoses are scarce in Brazil and they are necessary as part of the public policy to protect workers' health. OBJECTIVES: To identify sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with occupational contact dermatitis seen between 2000 and 2014 at an occupational dermatology service. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional and retrospective study, based on information obtained from the service's database. RESULTS: Of 560 patients with conclusive patch test, 289 (46.9%) presented occupational dermatoses and 213 occupational contact dermatitis with predominance of the allergic type in relation to the irritative type (149:64 respectively). The odds of occupational dermatoses were higher among men and lower among patients aged 50 years or older and with higher level of education. Regarding the possibility of presenting occupational allergic contact dermatitis, only the gender variable was statistically significant. The professions most seen were cleaners, construction workers, painters, mechanics/metallurgists and cooks. The commonest allergens were nickel sulfate, potassium dichromate, cobalt chloride, carba-mix and formaldehyde. STUDY LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of this study are the fact that it was carried out in a tertiary service of occupational dermatoses and the lack of access to some allergens outside the patch test baseline series. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to identify the sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients with suspected occupational contact dermatitis seen at the Service, beyond the professional groups and allergens related to a high risk of occupational contact dermatitis in this population.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Chromium Allergy in a Single University Hospital in Korea / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Chromium is one of the most common metal allergens that cause allergic contact dermatitis. European regulation of chromium (VI) content in cement was first implemented in 2005, and regulation of chromium in leather in 2015. OBJECTIVE: This clinical study was performed to obtain basic data on subjects with allergic contact dermatitis due to chromium in Korea. We investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with chromium allergy among subjects with contact dermatitis who underwent patch tests. METHODS: Patch test data from June 1998 to January 2014 were retrospectively analyzed (n=975; men=290, women=685). Patients who showed positive reactions to potassium dichromate (chromium [+] group; n=58) and who showed positive reactions to other allergens except potassium dichromate (others [+] group; n=497) were identified and the characteristics of both groups were compared. Patients who only reacted to chromium (only chromium group; n=17) were identified, and their clinical characteristics were investigated. The prevalence of chromium allergy was analyzed in each 4-year period to study the changes over time. RESULTS: The sensitization rate of potassium dichromate was 5.9% (n=58) and women comprised 72.4% (n=42) of the chromium (+) group. Hands and feet were more frequently affected in the chromium (+) group (p=0.002 and 0.019, respectively). Occupational dermatitis was significantly less common in the chromium (+) group. Chromium allergy was the most prevalent in patients in their 50s (8.4%). The only chromium group had significantly more number of patients aged 40 years or older (p=0.004). The prevalence of chromium allergy was 13.5% during 1998~2002, but decreased to 5.4% during 2010~2014. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of patients with chromium allergy suggests that chromium exposure in daily activities, including leather exposure, is more relevant than occupational exposure for most patients. The prevalence of chromium allergy has been decreasing in Korea, which may be an effect of voluntary regulation of chromium content in cement by manufacturers.

Changes in lung injury and oxidative stress of Sprague-Dawley rats after single intratracheal instillation of potassium dichromate / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the changes in lung injury and oxidative stress of sprague-Dawleyy (SD) rats at different times after single intratracheal instillation of potassium dichromate.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 50 healthy male SD rats were randomly divided into control group and potassium dichromate group. The potassium dichromate group and the control group received 3 ml/kg intratracheal instillation of K2Cr2O7 (1.5 mg/kg) and normal saline, respectively. Rats in these two groups were sacrificed in batches at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after exposure. The changes in the following indices were observed and analyzed: body weight, lung coefficient, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in lung homogenate, and reduced glutathione (GSH) in serum.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rats in the potassium dichromate group had significantly decreased body weight on day 1 and day 3 after exposure than the control group (P<0.05). Lung coefficient increased significantly on day 7 (P<0.05) and kept increasing until the end of the experiment. The potassium dichromate group had a significantly higher activity of AKP than the control group on day 1 and day 7 after exposure (P<0.05). However, the potassium dichromate group had a significantly lower activity of GSH-Px than the control group on day 1 and day 3 after exposure (P<0.05). And the potassium dichromate group had a lower activity of reduced GSH than the control group on day 3 and day 7 after exposure.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Single intratracheal instillation of 1.5 mg/kg potassium dichromate could result in lung inflammatory injury. of SD rats, and the injury is more severe on day 7 after exposure. Body injury is related to antioxidant activity, and the antioxidant.activity cannot recover completely on day 28 after exposure.</p>

Patch Testing with Dental Screening Series in Oral Disease

BACKGROUND: The oral mucosa is constantly exposed to several irritants and allergens including dental materials, but the role of contact allergy in oral disease is obscure. OBJECTIVE: To analyze positive patch test results in patients with oral diseases and evaluate the clinical relevance of oral diseases with contact allergy to dental materials. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patch test results with dental screening series in 44 patients with oral disease from 2004~2011. RESULTS: Oral diseases included oral lichen planus (54.5%), cheilitis (27.3%), burning mouth syndrome (9.1%), and others (9.1%). Thirty-one of 44 patients (70.5%) had positive reactions to one or more allergens. The most commonly detected allergens were gold sodium thiosulfate (25.0%) and nickel sulfate (25.0%), followed by potassium dichromate (22.7%), cobalt (15.9%), palladium (6.8%), mercury (4.5%), copper (4.5%), and methylhydroquinone (4.5%). Six of 24 patients with oral lichen planus had a symptom in areas adjacent to dental materials and positive patch test reactions to allergens contained in the suspected dental materials. CONCLUSION: Patch tests with dental screening series are worth considering for oral diseases, especially for oral lichen planus.

The Fine Scratches of the Spectacle Frames and the Allergic Contact Dermatitis

BACKGROUND: Spectacle contact allergy is not infrequent. The fine scratches on the spectacle frames which may play a role in the sensitization to the potential allergenic components have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: We sought the relationship between the scratches on the spectacle frames and the allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in the Republic of Korea. METHODS: A total of 42 Korean patients with ACD at the spectacle contact sites were enrolled. Their spectacle frames were examined with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test and analyzed by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Patch tests (thin-layer rapid use epicutaneous test [TRUE tests]) were performed to identify the skin allergens. RESULTS: The DMG-positive spectacle frames were identified in 78.5% of the frames. The SEM results showed that there were more scratches on the skin-contacting parts of the spectacle frames than the non-skin-contacting parts of the same frames. In the EDS findings, the mean nickel content (weight, %) of the spectacle frames was 15.7+/-5.5, and the mean chromium content was 20.3+/-3.4 at the skin-contacting parts. In the TRUE tests, nickel sulphate was the most common allergen (31 cases, 73.8%), and potassium dichromate was the second (9 cases, 21.4%). Three patients presented simultaneous positive reactions with nickel sulphate and potassium dichromate. CONCLUSION: Minor visible and non-visible fine scratches on the spectacle frames may present the provocation factors of the ACD. Nickel sulphate was the most common allergen suspected of provoking the spectacle frame-induced ACD, followed by potassium dichromate.

A Case of Chromium Contact Dermatitis due to Exposure from a Golf Glove

Chromium is a transition metal and has been shown to elicit contact dermatitis. Although leather products have been known to be the most significant source of chromium exposure these days, the majority of reports have been related to exposure from shoe products. We herein report a professional golfer who became allergic to golf gloves made of chromium-tanned leather. A 27-year-old woman golfer presented with recurrent, pruritic, erythematous plaques that had been occurring on both hands for several years. The lesions developed whenever she had worn golf gloves for an extended period of time, especially during tournament season. To identify the causative agent, patch tests were performed and the results demonstrated a strong positive reaction to potassium dichromate 0.5% and to her own glove. The amount of chromium in her golf glove was analyzed to be 308.91 ppm and based on this, a diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis due to a chromium-tanned leather glove was made. She was treated with oral antihistamines combined with topical steroids and advised to wear chromium-free leather gloves. There has been no evidence of recurrence during a six month follow-up period.

Levaduras autóctonas con capacidad fermentativa en la producción de etanol a partir de pulpa de excedentes de plátano musa (AAB Simmonds) en el departamento de Córdoba, Colombia / Autoctonous yeasts having fermentation ability in producing ethanol from Musa (AAB Simmonds) plantain surplus pulp in the Córdoba department of Colombia

Se evaluó la capacidad fermentativa de levaduras nativas de la zona costanera del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia, para la obtención de etanol a partir de la pulpa de excedentes de plátano Musa (AAB Simmonds), con el objetivo de encontrar cepas eficientes. Los microorganismos utilizados correspondieron a las especies: Kloeckera sp, Candida guillliermondii 14AD, Candida albicans y Candida guillliermondii 13AD (nativas), y una cepa comercial de referencia, Saccharomyces cerevisiae T73. La fermentación se realizó a diferentes concentraciones de sustrato, siendo la concentración del 40% la mejor; se evaluó la producción de etanol mediante el método colorimétrico del dicromato de potasio utilizando un equipo espectrofotómetro Lambda 11. Se observó que la levadura Candida guilliermondii 14AD nativa fue la más eficiente con una producción promedio de 3,45% v/v de etanol a las 72 horas de fermentación; no se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas con la producción de etanol a partir de la cepa de referencia, la cual produjo 3,59% v/v. Estos resultados sugieren la existencia de levaduras nativas con capacidad para ser utilizadas en la obtención de etanol a partir de material residuo de plátano.

Native yeasts™ (Cordoba, Colombia) fermentation ability for producing ethanol from plantain (Musa AAB Simmonds) surplus pulp was evaluated; the object was to find efficient yeasts. The microorganisms used here came from the Kloeckera sp, Candida guillliermondii (14AD), Candida albicans and Candida guilllier-mondii 13AD strains (native) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae T73 (a commercial reference yeast). Fermentation was carried out on different substrate concentrations, the 40% one giving the best result; ethanol production was evaluated by the potassium dichromate colorimetric method using a Lambda 11 spectrophotometer. It was observed that the Candida guilliermondii 14AD native yeast was the most efficient, having an average 3.45% v/v ethanol production after 72 hours’ fermentation. There were no statistically significant differences compared to reference yeast strain ethanol production (3.59% v/v). These results suggest that native yeasts can be used in obtaining ethanol from residual plantain matter.

Standard Patch Test Results in Patients with Contact Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: A number of skin manifestations in patients with allergic contact dermatitis result from sensitization with specific allergens. The patch test is a primary diagnostic tool for identifying allergens causing allergic contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: We identified the results of patch test with Korean standard series in patients with clinically diagnosed with contact dermatitis, and evaluated the specific relationship with each allergen. METHODS: During a 5-year period, 743 patients were examined with patch test of standard Korean series. The results of patch test were then evaluated. Location of the skin lesion, age, sex, and occupation of the patients were completely reviewed. RESULTS: Overall, 68.5% of patients had at least one positive reaction and 43.6% of patients had two or more positive reactions. Allergens most frequently causing positive reactions were nickel sulfate (27.1%), cobalt chloride (22.1%), potassium dichromate (17.9%), mercuric ammonium chloride (13.8%), and 4-phenyledediamine base (10.2%). Those patients in their 10s and 40s showed the highest rate of positive reaction. Metal allergens displayed higher positive rates than any other standard allergens. Of 201 patients who showed positive reaction to nickel, 37.8% and 27.3% of them also showed positive reaction to cobalt and chromium, respectively, representing concomitant reactions between metal-related antigens. In addition, polysensitization to cosmetics-related antigens including balsam peru and fragnance mix was evident. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in overall positive rate in patch test results compared with recent studies. However, we confirmed that metal-related allergens remain most common, and that multiple contact allergy were relatively common.

Efecto genotóxico del dicromato de potasio en eritrocitos de sangre periférica de Oreochromis niloticus (TILAPIA) / Genoto xic efect of potassium dicromate in peripheral blod eryt hrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus (TILAPIA)

Existen múltiples reportes del efecto genotóxico y cancerígeno del cromo VI, los seres humanos tenemos una permanente exposición a este elemento. Objetivos. Evidencias la genotoxicidad del dicromato de potasio utilizando como sistema biológico a Oreochromis niloticus "tilapia", mediante el test de micronúcleos y la cuantificación de nuclear buds, en eritrocitos de sangre periférica. Materiales y métodos. Los individuos fueron expuestos a concentraciones crecientes (0,0, 0,2, 0,4 y 0,8 ppm) de dicromato de potasio. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre periférica, del arco branquial de cada individuo (cuatro por grupo), a los tres y siete días de tratamiento, las cuales fueron procesadas y coloreadas con Giemsa 5% y se cuantificaron eritrocitos con micronúcleos y nuclear buds en sangre periférica. Resultados. Se encontró un incremento significativo de las frecuencias de micronúcleos y nuclear buds directamente proporcional a la concentración del dicromato de potasio en los individuos expuestos (p < 0,05). Conclusiones. El dicromato de potasio produce daño genético en los eritrocitos de O. niloticus.

Due multiple reports of the genotoxic and carcinogenic effect of chromium VI and the permanent exposure of the human beings to this element. Objective. Contributing new evidence of the genotoxicity of potassium dichromate using the biological system Oreochromis niloticus "tilapia" through the micronucleus test and the nuclear quantification of buds in erythrocytes of peripheral blood. Material and methods. The individuals were exposed to increasing concentrations (0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 ppm) of potassium dichromate. Peripheral blood samples of the branchial arc of each individual were taken at 3th and 7th day of treatment which were processed and colored with Giemsa 5%, erythrocytes in peripheral blood with micronuclei and nuclear buds were quantified. Results. A significant increase of frequencies of micronucleus and nuclear buds in the exposed individuals were registered which were directly proportional to the potassium dichromate concentration (p < 0.05). Conclusions. Potassium dichromate caused genetic damage in the cells of O. niloticus.

Patch Testing in Nummular Eczema: Comparison of Patch Test Resultsbetween Nummular Eczema and Atopic Dermatitis / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Nummular eczema, which is also known as discoid eczema, is defined by its clinical appearance as coin-shaped, circular, or oval lesions with a definite border. The etiology of nummular eczema is obscure, and many causative factors have been proposed, but there are only a few studies of the relevance of contact allergy in nummular eczema in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of allergic contact dermatitis in nummular eczema patients compared with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: A total of 86 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients combined with atopic dermatitis and nummular eczema were classed as atopic dermatitis. The group with atopic dermatitis was 32 patients. The group with nummular eczema was 54 patients. We performed patch tests on both groups, and evaluated their clinical features and the results of the patch testing. RESULTS: The patients comprised of 49 males and 37 females. The mean age of group with atopic dermatitis was 21.3 years, and the mean age of group with nummular eczema was 44.2 years. The distribution by age was most prevalent at 10~19 years for the group with atopic dermatitis group and 40~49 years for the group with nummular eczema. The predominant sites of the lesions were the arms (21.0%), trunk (21.0%), legs (16.3%), widespread on the body (15.1%), hands (13.9%), feet (7.0%), face and neck (5.8%). Sixty seven (77.9%) out of 86 patients showed a positive reaction to one or more allergens. The highest sensitization rates were found with: nickel sulphate (45.3%), cobalt chloride (29.1%), potassium dichromate (20.9%), thimerosal (17.4%), neomycin sulphate (15.1%), thiuram mix (14.0%), formaldehyde (14.0%), colophony (12.8%), 4-phenylenediamine mix (11.6%), fragrance mix (10.5%). Comparing the atopic dermatitis and nummular eczema groups, there was no significant difference in the positivity for patch test allergens and frequent antigens. Comparing with clinical manifestation between the group with positive reaction and the group with negative reaction to the patch test in nummular eczema and atopic dermatitis, in the group with positive reaction of patch test, the severity of disease increased. CONCLUSION: This study shows that contact sensitivity is relatively common both with nummular eczema and atopic dermatitis. But, when there is no difference in the positive rate of antigens in patch test, both groups show high positive rate of metal antigens. Also nummular eczema patients with consistent and recurrent symptoms, the possibility of allergic contact dermatitis should be taken into consideration and a patch test must be performed.

Avalição da sensibilidade de Daphnia magna Straus, 1820(Cladócera, Crustácea) ao dicromato de potássio / Assessment of Daphnia magna Straus, 1820(Cladócera, Crustácera) susceptibility to potassium dichromate

As análises ecotoxicológicas determinam os efeitos deletérios causados a um organismo por um agentetóxico. O microcrustáceo Daphnia magna é um dos organismos mais usados em bioensaios de toxicidade. Para garantir a confiabilidade dos resultados é necessário avaliar a sensibilidade das dáfnias que pode ser influenciada pelas condições de cultivo em laboratório. O dicromato de potássio, 10 mg/L, foi utilizadocomo substância referência para obter a faixa de sensibilidade. O presente trabalho avalia os testes de sensibilidade realizados de março de 2004 a março de 2005 no Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia do Institutode Pesquisas Ambientais e Tecnológicas, IPAT, da Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, UNESC,segundo a norma ABNT NBR 12713. Os indivíduos entre 2 e 24 horas de idade foram testados emsoluções com diferentes concentrações. O valor médio da CE50 de 1,28 mg/L está dentro da faixa limitepara dicromato de potássio conforme a norma ISO 6341. De acordo com as comparações feitas entre osdados do presente estudo com os valores estabelecidos pela norma ISO e com os relatados por outrosautores, pode-se inferir que as dáfnias, cultivadas no Laboratório de Ecotoxicologia do IPAT, estão aptasa serem utilizadas em testes de toxicidade.

Occupational Skin Disease in Hairdressers: Results of Patch Test / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Hairdressers are individuals at high risk of occupational skin disease, especially occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD), because of continuous exposure to water, detergents, hair dyes and bleaches, permanent wave solutions and metal equipment. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the frequency of OACD among hairdressers and the sources of sensitization through patch test and questionnaires. METHODS: We analyzed the occupational characteristics (age, gender, duration of work), site of dermatitis, suspicious sensitizers, and use of preventive measures in a group of 96 hairdressers who answered a questionnaire. Among them, 61 hairdressers who were suspected of having occupational allergic contact dermatitis were patch-tested with the Korean standard series and hairdressing series. RESULTS: Among 96 hairdressers, 74 hairdressers (78%) responded with their experiences of work-related skin problems. The results of patch test revealed an occupationally-relevant sensitization in 82% of the 61 hairdressers. Mean frequencies of sensitization ranked as follows: nickel sulfate (37.7%), cobalt chloride (34.4%), paraphenylenediamine base (21.3%), thimerosal (11.5%), potassium dichromate (9.8%), mercury ammonium chloride (8.2%), Balsam Peru (6.6%), glyceryl monothioglycolate (4.9%), and fragrance mix (4.9%). We also classified these allergens as hairdressing agents, and hair dye showed the highest frequency of positive reactions (30%). CONCLUSION: From this study, we were able to unravel the important sensitizers related to the hairdressing profession. To improve the safety of their job and to the prevent occupational allergic contact dermatitis, hairdressers should be aware of these common sensitizers, and try to improve protective measures and their applications.

Influence of chemical oxygen demand concentrations on anaerobic ammonium oxidation by granular sludge from EGSB reactor / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effect of chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentrations on the anaerobic ammonium oxidation (ANAMMOX).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>An Expanded Granular Sludge Bed (EGSB) reactor was used to cultivate the granular sludge and to perform the ANAMMOX reaction in the bench scale experiment. NH4(+)-N and NO2(-)-N were measured by using colorimetric method. NO3(-)-N was analyzed by using the UV spectrophotometric method. COD measurement was based on digestion with potassium dichromate in concentrated sulphuric acid.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When the COD concentrations in the reactors were 0 mg/L, 200 mg/L, 350 mg/L, and 550 mg/L, respectively, the NH4(+)-N removal efficiency was 12.5%, 14.2%, 14.3%, and 23.7%; the removal amount of NO2(-)-N was almost the same; the nitrate removal efficiency was 16.8%, 94.5%, 86.6%, and 84.2% and TN removal efficiency was 16.3%, 50.7%, 46.9%, and 50.4%, moreover, the COD removal efficiency was 85%, 65.7%, and 60%; the COD removal rate was 27.42, 61.88, and 97.8 mg COD/(h x L).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>COD concentrations have a significant influence on anaerobic ammonium oxidation by granular sludge.</p>

Study of DNA damage induced by potassium dichromate and glutathione with atomic force microscope / 南方医科大学学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe calf thymus DNA damage induced by potassium dichromate in combination with glutathione (GSH).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Atomic force microscope and ultraviolet spectrum (UV) were used to observe the alterations of the DNA ultrastructure and absorption spectrum.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Atomic force microscopy revealed no breaks of the DNA strand in response to treatment with potassium dichromate alone, but when coupled with GSH at proper concentrations, potassium dichromate induced alterations in the DNA structure and DNA fragmentation. UV examination also confirmed these findings by showing increased absorption intensity of the maximum UV peak following combined treatment of the DNA with potassium dichromate and GSH.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>These morphological and spectrographic evidences verified the important role of GSH in mediating the generation of various tumor-inducing intermediate products of potassium dichromate.</p>

Prevention of chromate induced oxidative stress by alpha-lipoic acid.

The parenteral administration of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) protected against chromate induced oxidative stress in mouse liver. A shift in Cr induced pro-oxidant state to antioxidant-state by LA was noteworthy. The degree of protection was significant and similar in different LA administration regimens (prior-, co- and post- parenteral Cr exposure) explored. An improved status of the tissue antioxidants by LA appeared to be the mechanism of mitigation. The results are of chemopreventive value and suggest a possible alternative to ascorbic acid for abrogation of Cr toxicity.

Patch Testing in Patients with Lichen Simplex Chronicus / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) may develop under various chronic pruritic conditions, such as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, there have been only a few studies on the relationship between ACD and the development of LSC. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and frequency of contact sensitization in patients with LSC. METHOD: In a retrospective study, 71 patients with LSC, who had shown resistance to conventional treatment and had been examined with patch tests in the Korean standard series, were evaluated for their clinical features and results of the patch testing. RESULTS: 1. The patients comprised of 32 males and 39 females. The mean age was 51.8 (19-80) years, and the highest incidence was shown in the 50-60 year age range. The predominant sites of the dermatitis were the trunk (25.4%), arms (16.7%), widespread on the body (14.7%), the scalp (9.8%) and the neck (9.8%). 2. Sixty five (91.5%) out of 71 patients showed a positive reaction to one or more allergens. The highest sensitization rates were found with: nickel sulfate (38%), balsam of Peru (25.6%), 4-phenylenediamine base (23.9%), fragrance mix (22.5%), mercury ammonium chloride (18.3%), cobalt chloride (18.3%) and potassium dichromate (15.5%). CONCLUSION: This study shows that contact sensitization may possibly play an etiologic role in the development of LSC, and there are some dominant allergens, including nickel, 4-phenylenediamine, balsam of Peru and fragrance mix. Therefore, when LSC is resistant to conventional treatment, it is important to carry out patch testing, and to bear in mind the possibility of ACD contributing to the development of LSC.

Study of the Patch Tests Results in Patients with Contact Dermatitis due to Cosmetics / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: With the growing use of cosmetics such as skin care products, toiletries, makeup products, fragrance on an expanding population, reports of unwanted side effects following application of these products is increasing. Allergic contact dermatitis commonly occurs with the use of cosmetics. However, treatment is extremely difficult without knowing the exact causative agent. Therefore, it is important to detect and clarify such agents in order to treat and ultimately prevent allergic contact dermatitis. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to find the popular causative factors of allergic contact dermatitis, especially within cosmetics, and compare the findings with previous Korean and international reports involving allergic contact dermatitis. METHODS: Patch test results of 332 patients suspected of having allergic contact dermatitis related to cosmetics were reviewed. The patients visited 3 hospitals in the Catholic medical center in Korea between 2000 and 2003. The patch tests adopted were of the standard series, cosmetic series, and test samples made from the patient's own cosmetics. RESULTS: The results of this study are summarized as follows; 1. Among allergens of the standard series, nickel sulfate induced the highest positive patch test results (30.5%) within the 321 patients who were tested followed by potassium dichromate, thimerosal and cobalt chloride. 2. Thimerosal showed the highest positive patch test rate (9.2%), followed by octyl gallate and t-butylhydroquinone in a cosmetic series patch test study with 109 patient. 3. A trial patch test with cosmetics from our own patients was made. Among the type of cosmetics to induce a positive patch test, skin care products constituted 47.8%, marking the highest proportion. However, toiletries were the most potent in inducing a positive test result. 4. Correlated to the patch test results from previous Korean and international studies, skin care products most commonly caused allergic contact dermatitis as in our study. However, personal cleanliness products were more common in causing allergic contact dermatitis in our study than in previous Korean and international studies. CONCLUSION: Although skin care products are most prevalent in causing allergic contact dermatitis, the prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis due to toiletries is increasing. This was a clear contrast to the result of previous Korean and international studies. The possibility of allergic contact dermatitis due to toiletries should not be overlooked.

Estudio retrospectivo de la sensibilización a cloruro de cobalto / Retrospective study of sensitivity to cobalt clorure

Las sales de cobalto son agentes sensibilizadores habituales, que suelen observarse asociados a otros alergenos, en especial sulfato de níquel. Presentamos un estudio epidemiológico con el fin de establecer cuales son las características de nuestros pacientes con dermatitis alérgica de contacto, principalmente a la dermatitis alérgica de contacto a cloruro de cobalto. En la muestra estudiada, la sensibilización a cloruro de cobalto resultó la segunda en frecuencia (25.4 por ciento) siendo la asociación más frecuente con sulfato de níquel y dicromato potásico, con los que hemos encontrado una relación estadísticamente significativa. Es más frecuente en mujeres jóvenes trabajadoras del hogar con eczema de manos. La sensibilización concominante de cloruro de cobalto, sulfato de níquel y dicromato potásico se relaciona más con una exposición múltiple que con una reacción cruzada entre dichos alergenos. La sensibilización aislada a cloruro de cobalto representó el 6.5 por ciento en nuestro estudio, lo que coincide con el concepto de que la sensibilización aislada a dicloruro de cobalto es excepcional. No hemos encontrado ningún caso de alergia aislada a cloruro de cobalto en trabajadores de la construcción.

Assessment of chromium toxicity on pregnant mice and their fetal development

Chromium is a naturally occurring element, present in several valence states. Hexavalent chromium compounds [Cr VI] have been known to be more toxic than trivalent [Cr III] compounds. Exposure to chromium could be environmental due to its natural occurrence in rocks and soil as well as due to water, air and soil pollution resulting in high chromium concentrations in plants and food. On the other hand, industrial exposure could also occur as chromium enters into many industries leading to occupational hazards. The aim of the present work was to study the potential developmental toxicity of hexavalent chromium [potassium dichromate] in female mice exposed to chromium during gestation. The study was conducted on one hundred and twenty female mice which were mated with adult males. The day the vaginal plug was seen was considered day 0 of gestation. Mice were divided into four equal groups, each group consisted of thirty mice. Group I[controls], group II [treated with 10 ppm Cr VI], group III [treated with 25 ppm Cr VI], and group IV [treated with 50 ppm Cr VI]. All types of treatment were given via drinking water and started on day 6 through day 15 of gestation [period of organogenesis]. The parameters investigated in this study were maternal and fetal parameters. Maternal parameters included clinical signs of toxicity, food consumption. body weight, as well as absolute and relative organ weights. Fetal parameters included number of implantation sites, number of live and dead fetuses, number of resorptions [early and late], and fetal body weight. Gross external fetal examination, skeletal examination as well as visceral examination were done to detect any fetal malformations. The present study revealed that low concentration [10 ppm] of potassium dichromate [Cr VI] caused few signs of maternal and fetal toxicity while concentrations of 25 ppm and 50 ppm resulted in maternal and fetal toxicity, which was pronounced with the 50 ppm concentration. Maternal toxicity included general signs of toxicity [diminished activity, excessive salivation and hair loss], significant decrease in food consumption, in body weight and in absolute organ weights. Fetal toxicity included significant increase in number of dead fetuses. as well as early and late resorptions; significant decrease in fetal body weight i.e. growth retardation; and significant increase in fetal skeletal malformations in the form of cranial retardation, -absence of sacrum, shortening of long bones and absence of phalanges. No significant gross external fetal or visceral abnormalities were detected in any of the treated groups of mice compared to the control group