Occupationally Induced Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Methylchloroisothiazolinone/Methylisothiazolinone Among Water Bottle Plant Workers.

Background: Methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI) allergy has increased for the last decade, mostly not only because of high concentrations in cosmetics but also because of its use as a biocide in industrial settings.

Objective: We report an outbreak of allergic contact dermatitis in 8 workers at a water bottling plant secondary to excess levels of MCI/MI in the cooling system, found to be at levels 5 times the manufacturer's recommendations.

Methods: Of 15 workers in the plastic bottle manufacturing area, 8 developed dermatitis, and 4 were referred for patch testing using a 100-allergen panel applied and interpreted in the standardized method according to the North American Contact Dermatitis Group.

Home discharge and out-of-hospital follow-up of total artificial heart patients supported by a portable driver system.

To enhance ambulation and facilitate hospital discharge of total artificial heart (TAH)-supported patients, we adapted a mobile ventricular assistance device (VAD) driver (Excor) for TAH use and report on the performance of Excor-driven TAH patients discharged home. Ten patients stabilized on a TAH, driven by the CSS ("Circulatory Support System"), were progressively switched over to the Excor in hospital over 14 days as a pilot, with daily hemodynamics and laboratory parameters measured. Twenty-two stable TAH patients were subsequently placed on the Excor, trained, and discharged home.

Accelerated cutaneous nodulosis during infliximab therapy in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Up to one fourth of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have extraarticular findings such as subcutaneous nodules. These are discrete subcutaneous granulomatous nodules located on extensor surfaces, especially of the elbows. Over the past 10 to 15 years, there have been reports of accelerated cutaneous nodulosis in patients receiving methotrexate therapy.