title: Occupational immediate-type asthma and rhinitis due to rhodium salts.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Whereas platinum salts are well known occupational allergens, rhodium salts have not been identified as inhalative sensitizing substances.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 27-year-old atopic operator of an electroplating plant developed work-related shortness of breath and runny nose with sneezing after exposure to rhodium salts. Quantitative skin prick tests (SPT) and bronchial challenge tests with a dosimeter protocol were performed with quadrupling doses of the sodium chloride salts of rhodium (Na(3)RhCl(6)) and platinum (Na(2)PtCl(6)).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient showed positive SPT reactions and positive bronchial immediate-type reactions with rhodium and platinum salts. Sensitivity to rhodium salt was much higher than to platinum salt; the molar concentrations differed by a factor of 256 in SPT and a factor of 16 in bronchial challenges.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rhodium salts should be considered as occupational immediate-type allergens.
authors: Research Institute of Occupational Medicine, German Social Accident Insurance (BGFA), Ruhr University, Bürkle-de-la-Camp-Platz 1, Bochum, Germany. merget@bgfa.de
authors: Rolf
authors: R
authors: Merget
authors: Ingrid
authors: I
authors: Sander
authors: Vera
authors: V
authors: van Kampen
authors: Monika
authors: M
authors: Raulf-Heimsoth
authors: Hans-Martin
authors: HM
authors: Ulmer
authors: Rupprecht
authors: R
authors: Kulzer
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Bruening
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004595:Electroplating; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007428:Intradermal Tests; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010984:Platinum / Q000633:toxicity; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012238:Rhodium / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D010984:Platinum; D012238:Rhodium