Contact dermatitis with clostridiopeptidase A contained in Noruxol ointment.

Abstract

Clostridiopeptidase A, also called collagenase 1, is a proteolytic enzyme capable of digesting collagen. Preparations containing clostridiopeptidase A are used topically for the debridement of dermal ulcers, burns and other necrotic lesions to facilitate the formation of granulation tissue and subsequent epithelization. We observed 4 patients with a periulcerative eczema after repeated applications of Noruxol ointment (Smith & Nephew Ltd, L Hull, UK). Patch testing with Noruxol ointment as is and its excipients (soft paraffin and white petrolatum), as well as scaled dilutions of the main ingredient of this topical preparation, clostridiopeptidase A (Firma, Florence, Italy), showed doubtful reactions to Noruxol ointment in 3 patients and a positive reactions only in 1 patient. All patients showed positive reactions to clostridiopeptidase A 1% in pet. This study shows the sensitizing capacity of clostridiopeptidase A that should be tested in all patients with suspect sensitization to Noruxol ointment.

• Authors: Caterina Foti, Anna Conserva, Claudia Casulli, Valentina Scrimieri, Maria Luisa Pepe, Domenico Quaranta
• Journal: Contact dermatitis (Contact Dermatitis) Vol. 56 Issue 6 Pg. 361-2 (Jun 2007) ISSN: 0105-1873 [Print] England
• PMID: 17577383 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dermatologic Agents
• Ointments
• Microbial Collagenase

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Burns (drug therapy)
• Debridement (methods)
• Dermatitis, Allergic Contact (diagnosis, etiology)
• Dermatologic Agents (adverse effects)
• Female
• Humans
• Microbial Collagenase (adverse effects)
• Ointments (adverse effects)
• Patch Tests
• Skin Ulcer (drug therapy)