Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Dermabond Prineo After Elective Orthopedic Surgery

The Dermabond Prineo skin closure system (Ethicon, Somerville, New Jersey) is a wound closure device that combines a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate liquid adhesive and a self-adhesive polyester mesh. Although cyanoacrylates traditionally have been associated with low rates of sensitization, allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to Dermabond products is being increasingly reported after orthopedic surgery. The authors describe the first case series of ACD to Dermabond Prineo where patch testing confirmed the diagnosis in all patients. Six patients who had suspected Dermabond Prineo ACD after lower limb orthopedic surgery were assessed. Of these patients, 5 had itching within 4 days of surgery and rash within 5 days. All 5 of these patients reported previous exposure to Dermabond products. All patients had removal of the adhesive and mesh earlier than planned and were treated with corticosteroids. In addition, 4 patients received systemic antibiotics; however, only 1 had a microbiologically confirmed superficial skin infection. In all patients,the dermatitis resolved within 2 weeks of dressing removal, with no adverse effect on the orthopedic outcome. Patch testing showed positive reactions to Dermabond Prineo glue for all patients. Orthopedic surgeons should beaware of the potential for ACD to Dermabond Prineo, especially among patients with previous exposure to Dermabond products. The authors discuss the risk factors for ACD to Dermabond Prineo in the orthopedic cohort and provide recommendations for prevention and management.