Are concomitant patch test reactions to epoxy resin and BIS-GMA indicative of cross-reactivity?
BACKGROUND
Despite rare simultaneous exposure, concomitant sensitisation to bisphenol A diglycidyl methacrylate (BIS-GMA) and epoxy resin frequently occurs. Immunological cross-reactivity has not been proven by animal experiments so far.


OBJECTIVE
Our objective was to examine cross-reactivity epidemiologically by analysing data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK).


METHODS
From 2001 to 2005, 3,777 patients were patch tested with epoxy resin and BIS-GMA in the IVDK. We retrospectively analysed concomitant reactions to these allergens and to BIS-GMA and selected methacrylates. Additionally, we compared clinical characteristics of patients reacting to both, epoxy resin and BIS-GMA, with those of patients reacting to epoxy resin or BIS-GMA only.


RESULTS
185 patients reacted to epoxy resin, and 40 to BIS-GMA. Of the latter, 34 reacted to epoxy resin. There was no difference concerning exposure between the above-mentioned groups of patients. Concomitant reactions to BIS-GMA and methacrylates hardly ever occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the fact that very few patients had been potentially exposed to BIS-GMA and that 85% of those reacting to BIS-GMA also reacted to epoxy resin, we conclude that our data are presumably indicative of immunological cross-reactivity. A verification of this hypothesis by animal experiments would be promising.
Geier
Johannes
J
Information Network of Departments of Dermatology, University of Göttingen, Germany. jgeier@ivdk.org
Lessmann
Holger
H
Uter
Wolfgang
W
Schnuch
Axel
A
D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D003429:Cross Reactions; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D004853:Epoxy Resins / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D000485:Allergens; D004853:Epoxy Resins; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate