Occupational allergy to methacrylates: a deadly risk in workplace

Abstract

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by (meth) acrylates (MA) is common in exposed persons. Moreover, Exposure to MA may rise the predisposition to rhinitis and asthma. However, the occurrence of both asthma and ACD due to MA in the same patient seems to be exceptional. Aim: Report a case of a complex allergy to MA in workplace and stress the difficulty of professional reclassification. A 36-year-old female worker in an electric factory presented to the department of occupational medicine for rhino conjunctivitis, asthma and ACD. Symptoms of weezing dyspnea, rhino conjunctivitis and ACD appeared a few months after recruitment and followed a professional rythmicity (improved during vacation time and aggravated when return to work). The patient’s occupational history revealed that she used a glue containing Hydroxy ethyl methacrylates. Asthma was diagnosed by spirometry, a reversibility test was positive (the FEV1 went up by 12% and 250 ml), nonspecific inhalation challenge test to methacholin was not performed because of a recent history of inadequately controlled asthma. Exhaled NO revealed bronchial inflammation and eosinophilia. The skin-prick test reactions to common environmental allergens and MA were negative. On patch testing, positive reactions were found to several MA including dimethacrylates ethyglycol (++) and mainly the 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (2-HEMA) (++). Diagnosis of occupational asthma, rhino conjunctivitis, and ACD to MA was retained. A professional reclassification prohibiting handling all products containing MA was indicated. While resumption of work, the patient presented two episodes of severe acute asthma with hospitalization in intensive care unit and use of endotracheal intubation. Investigation concluded that effective avoidance of use and exposure to glue was not insured imposing a long work stoppage (3 years). Yet, the patient has suffered from a non-controlled severe asthma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, nowadays, there is only one previous reported case of a dentist with both occupational skin and respiratory hypersensitivity from MAs. The case we reported revealed a serious case of occupational asthma, rhino conjunctivitis and ACD caused by MA and threatening the patient's life. Patients with allergy to MA should stop handling it but in practice, professional reclassification finds its limit in severe immediate hypersensitivity forms.