Yonsei Med J.  2017 Jan;58(1):252-254. 10.3349/ymj.2017.58.1.252.

A Case of Recurrent Urticaria Due to Formaldehyde Release from Root-Canal Disinfectant

• Jang JH
• Park SH
• Jang HJ
• Lee SG
• Park JH
• Jeong JW
• Park CS

• KMID: 2374214
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2017.58.1.252

Abstract

Although formaldehyde is well known to cause type 4 hypersensitivity, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to formaldehyde is rare. Here, we report a case of recurrent generalized urticaria after endodontic treatment using a para-formaldehyde (PFA)-containing root canal sealant and present a review of previous studies describing cases of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to formaldehyde. A 50-year-old man visited our allergy clinic for recurrent generalized urticaria several hours after endodontic treatment. Prick tests to latex, lidocaine, and formaldehyde showed negative reactions. However, swelling and redness at the prick site continued for several days. The level of formaldehyde-specific IgE was high (class 4). Thus, the patient was deemed to have experienced an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction caused by the PFA used in the root canal disinfectant. Accordingly, we suggest that physicians should pay attention to type I hypersensitivity reactions to root canal disinfectants, even if the symptoms occur several hours after exposure.

Keyword

Formaldehyde; urticaria; type 1 hypersensitivity

MeSH Terms

Disinfectants/*adverse effects
Formaldehyde/*adverse effects
Humans
Hypersensitivity, Immediate/*chemically induced
Immunoglobulin E/*immunology
Male
Middle Aged
Recurrence
Skin Tests
Time Factors
Urticaria/*chemically induced/diagnosis
Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement/*chemistry
Disinfectants
Formaldehyde
Immunoglobulin E
Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Chemical structure of formaldehyde (A), para-formaldehyde (B).

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