Sensitization to methyl methacrylate in the plastic catheter of an insulin pump infusion set

Cases of allergic contact dermatitis due to acrylics in the adhesive used to attach the needle to the tubing have previously been reported in pump infusion set users, but never previously due to an acrylic in the plastic tubing itself, as in this case. The presence of methyl methacrylate demonstrated in the catheter of the patient’s own infusion set correlated with her positive patch test results. Since patch testing and chemical-physical analysis was negative for methyl methacrylate in the alternative Cliniset ® microinfusion set, this was supplied to the patient for her insulin therapy and no further adverse skin reactions were reported. Patch testing demonstrated probable cross-sensitivity between methyl methacrylate and other acrylics.