National Jewish Health Led Research Offers Key Insights into Metal Allergies and Impact on Surgical Outcomes for Patients


DENVER - New insights into how metal allergies can impact surgical outcomes in patients is the subject of a review recently published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice. Orthopedic and other surgical implants containing metal are frequently used in joint replacements, spinal plates and screws, as well as in cardiac and other vascular hardware. The review sheds light on the immune responses some patients experience due to the materials used in these procedures.

"Through our research, we are gaining a deeper understanding of how metal allergies can significantly impact patients undergoing implant or prosthetic surgeries,” explained Karin Pacheco, MD, MSPH, an allergist at National Jewish Health and lead author of the paper. “Our and other findings highlight the importance of first considering and then identifying these allergies early to improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications, ultimately enhancing patient care,” said Dr. Pacheco.

In collaboration with researchers at the University of Colorado School of Pharmacology, Dr. Pacheco studies the mechanisms behind metal-induced immune responses. “Nickel, for example, is the most common contact allergen, and nickel allergy affects about 20% of the U.S. population and is higher in women.  That’s a really high number,” she notes.  “We want to understand the mechanisms and conditions that underlie these high rates of reactions, so we can better identify those at risk.”

Together with the Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories at National Jewish Health, she and collaborators have developed specific blood tests to diagnose metal allergies, such as nickel, cobalt and chromium, that are important contributors to joint and implant failure. She believes it is likely that researchers will be able to identify the contribution of certain genetic predispositions as well.

Over the years, Dr. Pacheco's research has facilitated a better understanding of how metals can trigger inflammatory responses in the body, how to identify patients at risk for developing metal allergies, and how to manage and treat these immune reactions more effectively. Developing predictive tools is the next step toward truly personalized medicine.
 

National Jewish Health is the leading respiratory hospital in the nation. Founded in 1899 as a nonprofit hospital, National Jewish Health today is the only facility in the world dedicated exclusively to groundbreaking medical research and treatment of children and adults with respiratory, cardiac, immune, and related disorders. Patients and families come to National Jewish Health from around the world to receive cutting-edge, comprehensive, coordinated care. To learn more, visit the media resources page.


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