[Suspected glutaraldehyde poisoning: a case report].

AIMS: To report a case of anxiety, possibly due to glutaraldehyde poisoning in a female anaesthesiologist working in an operating room and exposed to 2% solution of glutaraldehyde, the only chemical used for disinfection of flexible endoscopic instruments.

METHODS

A clinical evaluation was made and neurobehavioural functions were explored by sensitive neuropsychological testing: testing included a simple and complex reaction time and examination of the autonomic nervous system. The atmospheric concentration of glutaraldehyde was measured by means of a Brüel & Kjaer Multigas Monitor type 1302 analyzer.

RESULTS

Adverse neurobehavioural effects, including headache, loss of attention, dizziness, anxiety, drowsiness on the job, alteration of homeostatic reflexes, were observed, and sensitive neuropsychological testing confirmed neurobehavioural impairment. No blood alterations related to exposure were found. Very high levels of glutaraldehyde were detected in the operating theatre. After ten days away from exposure to glutaraldehyde no symptoms and no behavioral effects on the central and autonomic nervous systems were detectable.

CONCLUSIONS

Although conclusions cannot be drawn from a single case, exposure to a high level of glutaraldehyde, subjective symptoms, alteration of neurobehavioural performance, no consumption of CNS medication, no neurological or psychiatric disorders, no coffee consumption and alcohol intake, no exposure to other neurotoxic agents, complete recovery after removal from exposure to glutaraldehyde, are indicative of glutaraldehyde poisoning.