Type IV Hypersensitivity Reaction to Dermabond (2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate) in Plastic Surgical Patients: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: The Dermabond (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) is a commonly used skin adhesive in plastic surgery. There are some reports in the literature regarding Dermabond associated contact dermatitis. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated the incidence and characteristics of contact dermatitis (type IV hypersensitivity reaction) post application of Dermabond (Trade name PRINEO manufactured by ETHICON) in patients who underwent plastic surgical breast procedures in our hospital. Methods: Sixty patients had undergone plastic surgical breast procedures (mastopexy and reduction mammoplasty) with Dermabond application over the period of last 3 years in our hospital. The records of these 60 patients were studied retrospectively. Results: Four patients (6.6%) out of the 60 patients taken for study had developed type IV hypersensitivity reaction to Dermabond. All of these patients presented with pruritus and skin rash in the second week of their post-operative period and none of them had any known past allergic history. Conclusion: We conclude that the incidence of type IV hypersensitivity allergic reaction post application of Dermabond (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) is significantly high and its possibility should be explained to the patients prior to its application.