Three cases of ortho-phthalaldehyde-induced anaphylaxis after laryngoscopy: detection of specific IgE in serum.
BACKGROUND
Ortho-phthalaldehyde (OPA) has recently been used as a disinfectant for various medical apparatuses. OPA is not generally recognized as a potential allergen.


METHODS
Subsequent to our recent report describing a patient presenting with OPA-induced anaphylaxis following laryngoscopy, we experienced two more such cases. In all three cases, the basophil histamine release test was useful for identifying the allergen as OPA. OPA-specific IgE was successfully detected in the serum of the patients by ELISA.


CONCLUSIONS
Physicians and co-medical workers need to be aware of potential allergens to which patients may be exposed during routine medical procedures.
Suzukawa
Maho
M
Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Komiya
Akiko
A
Koketsu
Rikiya
R
Kawakami
Ayako
A
Kimura
Miwako
M
Nito
Takaharu
T
Yamamoto
Kazuhiko
K
Yamaguchi
Masao
M
D000328:Adult; D000918:Antibody Specificity / Q000276:immunology; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012882:Skin Tests; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology
D004202:Disinfectants; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D009764:o-Phthalaldehyde