title: Triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) - a new contact allergen identified in a spectacle frame.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Allergic reactions to spectacle frames are not unusual. A patient had a reproducible strong allergic patch test reaction to scrapings from the plastic material, and negative patch test results with available spectacle frame chemicals.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify the culprit allergen in this patient's spectacle frame.
  
  
  METHODS
  An extract from the temple arms was analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and a major low molecular weight compound was detected. This compound was isolated by semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by GC-MS and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The purified compound was diluted in ethanol, and a dilution series was prepared for patch testing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) was identified as the major compound in the extract. Patch testing of the patient proved that triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) was the causative allergen in the spectacle frame. Ten consecutive eczema patients tested as controls were negative.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate) is a new, hitherto unreported contact allergen.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, Sdr. Boulevard 29, DK-5000, Odense C, Denmark.
authors.forename: Klaus E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Malene E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Vestergaard
authors.forename: Lars P
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Christensen
mesh_terms: D000485:Allergens / Q000032:analysis*; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000209:etiology*; D005139:Eyeglasses; D005148:Facial Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000032:analysis*; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D000485:Allergens; C028914:triethylene glycol; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols
keywords: CAS no. 94-28-0; contact allergen; patch test; plastic; plasticizer; spectacle frame; triethylene glycol bis(2-ethylhexanoate)