1/4. Intolerance of osteosynthesis material: evidence of dichromate contact allergy with concomitant oligoclonal T-cell infiltrate and TH1-type cytokine expression in the peri-implantar tissue.BACKGROUND: We report on a 37-year-old man without history of previous allergic disease who developed an aseptic intolerance reaction to a chromium-cobalt alloy, with local discomfort, loosening, and absence of fracture healing. Both in vivo and in vitro allergoimmunologic diagnostic tests were performed. methods: Patch testing was done with a European standard series. Specific serum IgE was measured by CAP-FEIA. In addition to immunohistology (APAAP method), peri-implantar tissue was further analyzed by PCR to determine T-cell-receptor-gamma rearrangement and thus the potential clonal (antigen-driven) T-cell repertoire. The actual tissue mRNA expression for IL-4, IL-6, and IFN-gamma was visualized by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Skin testing gave a delayed-type reaction to dichromate. Specific serum IgE to natural rubber latex and grass pollen was found--but without clinical symptoms. Immunohistology revealed a monocytic and dense T-cell infiltrate. The latter, instead of being random, showed an oligoclonal T-cell receptor rearrangement. In addition, there was TH1-type mediator expression (IL-6 and IFN-gamma, but not IL-4). CONCLUSIONS: Skin test, examination of peri-implantar tissue, and the prompt healing after replacement of the osteosynthesis material suggest an allergic reaction. PCR analysis of peri-implantar tissue can further help to identify and understand allergy-mediated implant intolerance reactions.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = grass (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/4. Allergic contact dermatitis following exposure to essential oils.Allergic contact dermatitis from the topical use of essential oils is not widely recognized as an occupational hazard. Four cases of allergic contact dermatitis to essential oils occurring in three aromatherapists and one chemist with a particular interest in aromatherapy are described. All presented with predominantly hand dermatitis and demonstrated sensitization to multiple essential oils. One patient developed a recurrence of cutaneous symptoms following ingestion of lemongrass tea. Workers within this industry should be aware of the sensitization potential of these products and the risk of limiting their ability to continue employment.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = grass (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/4. Do latex allergens potentiate other skin tests?We report the case of a 33 year old atopic female patient, who worked for the last 4 years as a cleaner in the surgical area of a hospital. One year after starting the work in this area, the patient noticed upper respiratory symptoms and soon later dyspnea immediately after entering the operating room. Other allergic symptoms were perennial rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria after contact with peaches. Common skin prick tests were positive for dermatophagoides pteronyssinus. Fifteen min later a skin prick test with latex was done with a strong positive result after 10 min. At the same time, several allergens (cat dander, grass and olive pollens) showed positive results. The patient experienced a fall in the FEV1 that returned to basal levels after two inhalations of a bronchodilator. New skin tests to common allergens performed one week later were only positive to mites.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = grass (Clic here for more details about this article) |
4/4. Allergic contact dermatitis from grasses.This study attempts to demonstrate the existence of allergic contact dermatitis from grass, and to develop a patch test series to screen patients with grass intolerance. 6 common grass species from lawns and military training areas were collected. Solvent extracts of polar, non-polar and volatile fractions were prepared and used for patch testing in 20 control subjects and 46 patients with a history of grass intolerance. The 20 controls had negative responses to patch testing. 5 out of 46 patients had positive patch tests to Axonopus compressus (carpet grass), Ischaemum muticum (seashore centipede grass), Imperata cylindrica (lalang), panicum maximum (guinea grass) and pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass). Reactions to the non-polar fraction for all 5 species were noted. This study demonstrates the existence of allergic contact dermatitis from various common species of grass. In our series, this is seen in 11% of those with a history of grass intolerance.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 14keywords = grass (Clic here for more details about this article) |