title: Localized periorbital edema as a clinical manifestation of sulfite sensitivity.
abstract: Sulfite is commonly used in pharmaceuticals as a preservative. We report a unique clinical presentation of localized periorbital edema on the left eye after administration of sulfite-containing dexamethasone. The patient's sulfite sensitivity was confirmed by sulfite oral provocation test: periorbital edema on the same site developed after ingestion of 200 mg sodium bisulfite. She was non-atopic and did not complain of any respiratory symptoms. Allergy skin prick test with 100 mg/ml sodium bisulfite showed a negative result. She also has aspirin-sensitive urticaria which was confirmed by oral provocation test. In conclusion, sulfite can induce a localized periorbital edema, an uncommon manifestation in sensitive patients. Further investigations are needed to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Korea.
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Nahm
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009916:Orbital Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D013447:Sulfites / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; D013447:Sulfites