Occupational Asthma Reference
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Ong TH, Tan KL, Lee HS, Eng P,
A case report of occupational asthma due to gluteraldehyde exposure.,
Ann Acad Med Singapore,
2004;33:275-278,
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Keywords: singapore, lung function technician, glutaraldehyde, challenge, substritution
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION: We report the first case of occupational asthma due to gluteraldehyde exposure in Singapore and also describe the use of a specific inhalational challenge (SIC) test in confirming the diagnosis.
CLINICAL PICTURE: A 32-year-old laboratory technician presented with adult-onset asthma 2 years after daily exposure to gluteraldehyde which was used to sterilise the mouthpieces used for lung function testing. SIC testing showed a 25% drop in FEV1 after exposure to gluteraldehyde but not after exposure to a control, thus confirming the diagnosis.
TREATMENT: Alternative arrangements were made for sterilisation of the mouthpieces so that gluteraldehyde could be removed from the workplace. There was a marked improvement in her asthmatic control thereafter.
CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates the use of a SIC test in the diagnosis of occupational asthma. Gluteraldehyde is a known cause of occupational asthma and should be kept in mind when evaluating asthmatic patients in at-risk occupations. Effective ventilation and proper storage should be ensured to minimise exposure to gluteraldehyde where its use is necessary.
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