Allergic Purpura Induced by Exposure to p-Dichlorobenzene

Abstract

FOR MANY YEARS an extensively used moth repellent,p-dichlorobenzene (Di-chloricide) has only rarely been implicated in the production of adverse reactions.^1-3We have recorded here the first case to our knowledge of allergic (anaphylactoid) purpura induced by exposure top-dichlorobenzene. Since acute glomerulonephritis developed in this patient as a complication in the course of the allergic purpura (a relationship previously reported⁴), reexposure to the probable offending agent p-dichlorobenzene, to establish etiology, was considered but rejected. The etiologic relationship between p-dichlorobenzene and the provoked allergic purpura was later unequivocally established by positive results of a basophil degranulation test.⁵Additional injury to the patient in the search for the etiologic factor was thus avoided. A brief report of the significant features of the patient's hospitalization follows. Report of a Case Present Illness.— This 69-year-old white retired man was in apparent good health until three weeks prior to