02 December 2003
Polyurethanes and childhood asthma
Cheryl A. Krone, Tom D. Klingner, John T.A. ElyMed Sci Monit 2003; 9(12): HY39-43 :: ID: 13407
Abstract
Background:Asthma is the most common chronic disease of children. Its prevalence in affluent nations has steadily and dramatically increased in recent decades. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in development of atopy and asthma. Imbalance in the immune system favoring respiratory diseases has been linked to exposure to environmental stressors (e.g, biological and chemical) very early in life. Isocyanates, used in the production of polyurethane, can elicit asthma and produce immune responses (e.g, antibodies, cytokines, etc.) typical of atopy.Material/Methods:Numerous medical materials that directly contact human neonates are constructed of polyurethanes. A detailed survey and listing of such materials was undertaken in the neonatal unit of a large urban hospital. Representative samples of polyurethane-containing materials were tested for isocyanate residues using a semi-quantitative colorimetric method.Results:Isocyanate residues were detected in wound dressings, adhesive films, oximetry sensors, etc, that directly contact neonatal skin.Isocyanate residues were detected in wound dressings, adhesive films, oximetry sensors, etc, that directly contact neonatal skin.Conclusions:Dermal exposure to polyurethane and, thus, to isocyanates could occur early in life through contact with medical materials. In an animal model, dermal exposure to isocyanates leads to dermal sensitization and asthma. We postulate that dermal contact with polyurethane-containing medical materials may be involved in dysregulation of the neonatal immune system and could predispose infants to the development of childhood asthma.
Keywords: Biocompatible Materials - analysis, Isocyanates - adverse effects, Polyurethanes - adverse effects
Editorial
01 March 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: First Regulatory Approvals for CRISPR-Cas9 Therapeutic Gene Editing for Sickle Cell Disease and Transfusion-Dependent β-ThalassemiaDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944204
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944204
In Press
21 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Potential Value of HSP90α in Prognosis of Triple-Negative Breast CancerMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943049
22 Feb 2024 : Review article
Differentiation of Native Vertebral Osteomyelitis: A Comprehensive Review of Imaging Techniques and Future ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943168
23 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
A Study of 60 Patients with Low Back Pain to Compare Outcomes Following Magnetotherapy, Ultrasound, Laser, ...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943732
26 Feb 2024 : Clinical Research
Predictive Value of Combined HbA1c and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy in...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.942509
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952