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H Lessmann

Publications and source records attributed to H Lessmann.

9 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2003

[Epidemiologic surveillance of contact allergens. The "monitoring series" of IVDK (Information Network ofDermatologic Clinics for Detection and Scientific Evaluation of Contact Allergy].

The selection of the most important contact allergens is subject to a continuous change. Several factors may influence the sensitization rates and thus the decision, which substances to include in the standard series of the most frequent allergens. The Information Network of Departments of Dermatology adds substances of interest for a certain time period to the standard series in order to evaluate parameters such as sensitization rate, grade of reaction, and clinical relevance of positive reactions. In 6 testing periods starting in 1996, 13 test substances were evaluated. Due to the results, propolis, compositae mix, and bufexamac were included in the standard series in 1999, while lyral was added in 2002. Sorbitansesquioleat, dispers blue mix, and iodopropynyl butylcarbamate are under further discussion. Substances such as glutaraldehyde and p-aminoazobenzole should be tested in certain risk groups only, whereas the steroids budesonide and tixocortol should be tested when clinically suspected.

Allergens↗
PubMed2003

[Decrease in nickel sensitization in young patients--successful intervention through nickel exposure regulation? Results of IVDK, 1992-2001].

BACKGROUND: In the early 1990s, the prevalence of nickel contact allergy was high-almost 20% on a population level, and some 40% in contact dermatitis patients. Around that time, nickel exposure was starting to be regulated. PATIENTS/METHODS: Descriptive and bivariate analyses of patch test results of all patients tested with nickel sulfate (5% pet.) in the departments joining the Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) 1992-2001 (n=82,991, women: 52,709; men: 30,282). The annual frequency of sensitization to nickel was analyzed in women and men in four age subgroups (<31/31 to <44/44 to 58= or >58). RESULTS: In young women less than 31 (n=13.909) the prevalence of contact allergy to nickel decreased significantly from 36.7% in 1992 to 25.8% in 2001. In young men in the same age group (n=7087), the prevalence dropped from 8.9% in 1992 to 5.2% in 2001. CONCLUSIONS: The observed decline indicates that measures to limit the release of nickel from costume jewelry helped reduce the prevalence of nickel allergy. In general term, allergen elimination or reduction is an effective primary prevention strategy which does not depend on individual behavior modifications.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

[Occupational allergies to cellulases].

In the 1960s an increasing number of occupational allergies in the detergent industry against the proteolytic enzyme Subtilisin were observed. In this context the high sensitization potential of enzyme dusts attracted attention. The present evaluation of literature data confirms that this is also true for cellulases. These enzymes--mostly of fungal origin--are frequently used in biotechnology. Several cases of specific airway sensitization caused by cellulases are verified by a number of studies. As symptoms, results of skin prick tests, detection of specific IgE-antibodies and results of specific bronchoprovocation tests are consistent, an immunologic mechanism seems to be confirmed.

Cellulase↗
PubMed2002

The spectrum of allergic (cross-)sensitivity in clinical patch testing with 'para amino' compounds.

BACKGROUND: Allergic contact sensitization to 'para amino' compounds is frequent and the spectrum of cross-reactivity between members of this chemical group is variable. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of clinical patch test data obtained with a special test series in the centres of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) between 1995 and 1999. RESULTS: In the 638 patients tested with the above test panel positive reactions were observed most often to p-aminoazobenzene (16.2%), p-phenylenediamine (14.1%), p-toluylenediamine (10.0%), followed by 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (8.5%), Disperse Orange 3 (8.4%) and p-aminophenol (3.1%). Among the 544 patients tested with p-phenylenediamine and all seven additional 'para amino' compounds, concordance between reactions varied greatly. The stronger the positive test reaction to p-phenylenediamine, p-toluylenediamine or p-aminoazobenzene, the more frequently additional positive reactions to the other compounds were observed. CONCLUSIONS: A screening employing several 'para amino' compounds is necessary to describe the individual spectrum of allergic contact sensitization, as there is no reliable marker substance. Further research should aim at (i) establishing the mechanism of cross-reactivity to 'para amino' compounds and (ii) identifying exposures in the environment.

4-Aminobenzoic Acid↗
PubMed2002

When should a substance be designated as sensitizing for the skin ('Sh') or for the airways ('Sa')?

In the List of MAK and BAT Values compounds are designated with 'Sa' ('sensitizing for the airways') or 'Sh' ('sensitizing for the skin') if, according to scientific evidence, they are allergens. Mainly based on suggestions by a WHO working group and based on our own experience, extended criteria have been elaborated by the working group 'skin and allergy' of the Commission of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area, which are presented in this article. They serve as guidelines for deciding which substances have to be labelled 'Sa' and 'Sh', respectively, for the prevention of sensitization and subsequent allergic diseases in workers. Although in some special cases their strict application may not be deemed necessary or possible, the proposed new criteria should be used to make the procedure of classification of substances: 1) more rational, 2) more consistent, 3) more comprehensible, and 4) more transparent. This paper informs readers working scientifically or administratively in this field and invites a critical discussion of the issue.

Allergens↗
PubMed2001

Contact allergy to Disperse Blue 106 and Disperse Blue 124 in German and Austrian patients, 1995 to 1999.

Between 1995 and 1999, 1986 patients were tested in the 31 participating centres of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), all of them members of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group, with a textile dyes series containing Disperse Blue (DB) 106 and 124, and since 1997 also with a mix of both. 86 patients (4.3%) reacted positively to DB 106 and/or DB 124; with good concordance between the 2 allergens (Cohen's weighted kappa 0.72), and the single allergens and the mix (kappa=0.75 in both cases), which had been tested in parallel in 969 and 975 patients, respectively. In contrast, concordance between DB 106/124 and p-phenylenediamine and p-aminoazobenzene, respectively, was poor. Some 70% of positive reactions to DB 106/124 had current clinical relevance. Furthermore, a significant increase in the proportion of DB 106/124-positive patients among those tested was found from 1995 to 1999. Hence, DB 106/124 are important allergens deserving close monitoring. The use of a mix of DB 106 and DB 124 seems justified in view of the close chemical similarity of both compounds. If possible, the presence of the allergen(s) in individual textiles considered causative should be checked by thin layer or column chromatography.

Austria↗
PubMed2001

Glyoxal is an important allergen for (medical care) cleaning staff.

While disinfection is essential in medical practice, it carries the risk of serious adverse effects, including allergic contact dermatitis. To assess the current importance of glyoxal [CAS 107-22-2] as occupational allergen, a retrospective descriptive analysis of records of an occupational dermatitis clinic in Osnabrück and of national surveillance data of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK) in Germany and Austria was performed. Of 189 highly selected patients with occupational dermatitis tested with glyoxal (1% in water or, as trimer, 1% in petrolatum) in Osnabrück, 11 had positive reactions to glyoxal, which were occupationally relevant in 9 cases. Causative occupations included mainly nursing and room cleaning. In a less selected population of 2626 additional patients tested in other centres of the IVDK, 40 further positive reactions to glyoxal were observed. Concomitant sensitisation to glutardialdehyde and formaldehyde, respectively, was frequently observed. In conclusion, glyoxal should be tested in all patients with contact dermatitis working in occupations with possible exposure to respective disinfecting/cleaning agents.

Adult↗