A case report of occupational asthma due to gluteraldehyde exposure.
BACKGROUND
We report the first case of occupational asthma due to gluteraldehyde exposure in Singapore and also describe the use of a specific inhalational challenge (SIC) test in confirming the diagnosis.


METHODS
A 32-year-old laboratory technician presented with adult-onset asthma 2 years after daily exposure to gluteraldehyde which was used to sterilise the mouthpieces used for lung function testing. SIC testing showed a 25% drop in FEV1 after exposure to gluteraldehyde but not after exposure to a control, thus confirming the diagnosis.


METHODS
Alternative arrangements were made for sterilisation of the mouthpieces so that gluteraldehyde could be removed from the workplace. There was a marked improvement in her asthmatic control thereafter.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates the use of a SIC test in the diagnosis of occupational asthma. Gluteraldehyde is a known cause of occupational asthma and should be kept in mind when evaluating asthmatic patients in at-risk occupations. Effective ventilation and proper storage should be ensured to minimise exposure to gluteraldehyde where its use is necessary.
Ong
T H
TH
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital.
Tan
K L
KL
Lee
H S
HS
Eng
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests / Q000379:methods; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000506:poisoning*; D005260:Female; D005976:Glutaral / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*
D004202:Disinfectants; D005976:Glutaral