[Acute alveolitis after using a waterproofing aerosol: apropos of 2 cases]

INTRODUCTION

Waterproofing sprays for leather clothing have seldom been involved in severe accidents. In some circumstances, their pulmonary toxicity is marked, as shown by two case reports and a review of the literature.

EXEGESIS

Acute alveolitis is described in two young adults without previous respiratory illness, following the use of a waterproofing spray for leather clothing. Clinical features typical of a flu-like reaction (malaise, fever and chills) were associated with dyspnea and with hemoptysis in one patient. X-ray examination evidenced lesional edema which quickly resolved after symptomatic treatment. The toxic mechanism is debated, but experimental data and clinical findings suggest the causative role of recently introduced fluoropolymers.

CONCLUSIONS

Waterproofing sprays for leather clothing may induce severe respiratory illness after massive inhalation in confined area. Treatment is supportive.

Determination of human liver cytochrome P-450 by electron paramagnetic resonance of liver biopsies

Human liver cytochrome P-450 level has beenen determined by direct electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy at 77 degrees K of liver specimens obtained by surgical biopsy. A preliminary experiment with rat livers was performed in order to calibrate the intensity of the cytochrome P-450 EPR signal as a function of the cytochrome concentration obtained by the classical spectrophotometric method. 44 subjects have be examined. We found a cytochrome P-450 value of 21.5 plus or minus 11.2 nmoles per gram of liver in normal subjects. Variations of this level in some pathological liver states are discussed.