Occupational asthma caused by Ipe (Tabebuia spp) dust.
BACKGROUND
Ipe is a resistant hardwood that contains naphtoquinones. It is easily found and frequently used in South and Central America. Naphtoquinones are skin sensitizers.


OBJECTIVE
To describe a case of occupational asthma related to Ipe wood dust.


METHODS
The patient was submitted to a clinical evaluation consisting of a respiratory symptom questionnaire, occupational history, serial measurements of lung function by spirometry, skin prick tests, patch tests, specific IgE and specific bronchial provocation tests to Ipe dust.


RESULTS
Serial lung function measurements showed sustained regression of obstruction following removal from exposure. Skin prick tests, but not patch tests, were positive to Ipe, and a specific bronchial challenge showed a late asthmatic reaction. Specific IgE search was negative.


CONCLUSIONS
Exposure to Ipe wood dust can lead to occupational asthma. The underlying mechanism should be investigated.
Algranti
E
E
Division of Medicine, FUNDACENTRO, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil. eduardo@fundacentro.gov.br
Mendonça
E Medina Coeli
EM
Ali
S Amed
SA
Kokron
C M
CM
Raile
V
V
D001249:Asthma / Q000276:immunology*; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004391:Dust; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D018514:Plant Structures / Q000276:immunology*; D029663:Tabebuia
D004391:Dust