Rheumatoid arthritis, gold therapy, contact allergy and blood cytokines

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical and biochemical effects of a low starting dose for gold therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients with a contact allergy to gold. METHODS: Serum cytokines were assayed before and 24 h after the first injection of gold sodium thiomalate (GSTM). RESULTS: Contact allergy to gold was found in 4 of 19 patients. Compared to gold-negative patients (starting dose: 10 mg GSTM), there was a larger increase in serum TNFalpha (p < 0.05), sTNF-R1 (NS), and IL-1 ra (p < 0.05) in gold-allergic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokines are released in blood by GSTM in RA patients with gold allergy. To minimize the risk of acute adverse reactions the starting dose of GSTM should be lowered to 5 mg. Alternatively, patients should be patch-tested before gold therapy; in test-positive cases, 5 mg is recommended as the first dose

Contact allergy to sodium cocoamphoacetate present in an eye make-up remover

This is a case report of a contact allergic reaction on the face due to a skin cleansing product containing the amphoteric surfactant sodium cocoamphoacetate, occurring in an atopic woman with multiple contact sensitivities. Because of its weak irritant properties, this surfactant is widely used in cosmetic products intended to be used for sensitive skin, including products for intimate, and baby hygiene.status: publishe