Mario Culebras

Publications (2)5.95 Total impact

• Article: Occupational asthma caused by inhalation of surfactant composed of amines.

  Ana Villar-Gómez, Xavier Muñoz, Mario Culebras, Ferran Morell, María-Jesus Cruz
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  ABSTRACT: Occupational asthma (OA) is highly prevalent in industrialized countries and nearly 400 causal agents of this condition have been described to date. This study aims to describe the case of a patient who developed OA secondary to exposure to a surfactant agent comprised of alkylamine ethoxylate and a mixture of alkyleneoxy and ethylenediamine. We present the case of a male worker in the meat industry suffering from OA resulting from exposure to a surfactant agent used to clean the animal carcass before it is quartered. We performed various tests on the individual, including: a chest computed tomography; total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and specific IgE tests against common pneumoallergens; pulmonary function studies; a methacholine test; and a specific inhalation challenge to the surfactant agent. The tests confirmed the diagnosis of OA. We discuss whether the amines present in the surfactant or the agent itself might be the cause of the condition. Because of the extensive use of surfactants in several types of industries, it is reasonable to think that their possible relationship with OA may have relevant health implications.
  Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health 10/2009; 35(6):475-8. · 3.12 Impact Factor
• Article: Occupational asthma related to aescin inhalation.

  Xavier Muñoz, Mario Culebras, Maria-Jesus Cruz, Ferran Morell
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  ABSTRACT: More than 400 agents are recognized as causes of occupational asthma, a work-related disease that can be induced by an immunologic or a nonimmunologic mechanism. To describe a 57-year-old man employed in the pharmaceutical industry who developed bronchial asthma while working with products such as Plantago ovata and aescin, an active ingredient with anti-inflammatory and venotonic properties. Various tests were performed, including radiography, total serum IgE titer measurements, skin tests against common pneumoallergens and Plantago species, pulmonary function studies, a methacholine test, and specific inhalation challenge with P. ovata and aescin. The results of these tests, including specific inhalation challenge, confirmed the diagnosis of occupational asthma due to aescin exposure, whereas the results of specific challenge with P. ovata, a known cause of occupational asthma, were negative. Aescin may represent a new causative agent of occupational asthma in personnel working in the pharmaceutical industry. The mechanism by which aescin can produce asthma is unknown, but analysis of the characteristics of our patient suggests a non-IgE immunologic mechanism, although an irritative mechanism secondary to long-term low-level exposure to aescin, a possible irritant, cannot be ruled out.
  Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 04/2006; 96(3):494-6. · 2.83 Impact Factor