Interest of Exhaled Biomarkers in Occupational Asthma to Latex: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

New methods for exploring pulmonary inflammation might be useful: measurements of exhaled nitric oxide (NO) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in exhaled breath condensate (EBC). The authors describe the application and utility of these methods in a case report of pediatric nurse presenting an occupational asthma to latex. Despite compliance with avoidance measures, respiratory discomfort had worsened during work. Classical tests (spirometry, monitoring of peak expiratory flow) were not contributing to objectify the discomfort. Exhaled NO and H₂O₂ in EBC increased immediately after work periods, compared with rest periods. Application of these new methods, at the same time, in workplace appears useful in the objective demonstration of a temporal relation between work and respiratory problems. The results allowed the occupational physician to transfer the patient to a new work station more appropriate for her respiratory health status.

KEYWORDS:

• exhaled breath condensate
• exhaled NO, H₂O₂
• latex
• occupational asthma

Acknowledgments

We thank Christy Wambre for her technical assistance in pulmonary function tests.