European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA): polysensitization, 2009–2014. (22nd February 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dittmar, Daan; Uter, Wolfgang; Bauer, Andrea; Fortina, Ana B.; Bircher, Andreas J.; Czarnecka‐Operacz, Magdalena; Dugonik, Aleksandra; Elsner, Peter; Gallo, Rosella; Ghaffar, Sharizan A.; Giménez‐Arnau, Anna; Johnston, Graham A.; Kręcisz, Beata; Filon, Francesca L.; Rustemeyer, Thomas; Sadowska‐Przytocka, Anna; Sánchez‐Pérez, Javier; Schnuch, Axel; Simon, Dagmar; Spiewak, Radoslaw; Spring, Philipp; Corradin, Maria T.; Valiukevičienė, Skaidra; Vok, Marko; Weisshaar, Elke; Wilkinson, Mark; Schuttelaar, Marie L.
• Other Names: Aberer Werner investigator.; Ballmer‐Weber Barbara investigator.; Grabbe Jürgen investigator.; Beiteke Ulrike investigator.; Brasch Jochen investigator.; Fuchs Thomas investigator.; John Swen Malte investigator.; Mahler Vera investigator.; Pesonen Maria investigator.; Jolanki Riitta investigator.; Rantanen Tapio investigator.; Armario‐Hita José Carlos investigator.; Fernández‐Redondo Virginia investigator.; García‐Gavín Juan investigator.; Mercader Pedro investigator.; Ruiz Inmaculada investigator.; Silvestre Juan Fco. investigator.; Balato Anna investigator.; Ayala Fabio investigator.; Peserico Andrea investigator.; Sliuziaviciene Gondinga investigator.; Kieć‐Świerczyńska Marta investigator.; Kmecl Tanja investigator.; Pandurovic Maja Kalac investigator.; Kecelj Nada investigator.; Lunder Tomaž investigator.; Simončič Godnič Mojca investigator.; Chowdhury Mahbub M. U. investigator.; Cooper Susan M. investigator.; English John S. C. investigator.; Cousen Philippa investigator.; Horne Helen L. investigator.; Gawkrodger David J. investigator.; Holden Catherine investigator.; Sabroe Ruth investigator.; Green Cathy M. investigator.; King Codagh M. investigator.; Ormerod Anthony D. investigator.; Samson Jane E. investigator.; Statham Barry investigator.; Stone Natalie investigator.; White Ian investigator.;
• Is Part Of: Contact dermatitis. Volume 78:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 385
• Publication Date: 2018-02-22
• Subjects: clinical epidemiology -- contact allergy -- patch test -- polysensitization; Contact dermatitis -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.12966
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-1873

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Polysensitization, defined as being allergic to three or more haptens from the European baseline series, is considered to reflect increased susceptibility to developing a contact allergy, and is likely to be associated with an impaired quality of life. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalences of polysensitization across Europe and to analyse factors associated with polysensitization. Methods: Patch test data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA; www.essca‐dc.org ) in consecutively patch tested patients from January 2009 to December 2014, comprising 11 countries and 57 departments, were retrospectively analysed. Results: A total of 86 416 patients were available for analysis, showing a standardized prevalence of polysensitization of 7.02%, ranging from 12.7% (Austria) to 4.6% (Italy). Allergen pairs with the strongest association are reported for the total population, for South Europe, and for North/Central Europe. Overall, polysensitized patients showed a higher percentage of extreme (+++) positive patch test reactions than oligosensitized patients. Female sex, occupational dermatitis and age > 40 years were risk factors for polysensitization. Conclusions: The varying prevalences of polysensitization across Europe most likely reflect differences in patient characteristics and referral patterns between departments. Known risk factors for polysensitization are confirmed in a European dermatitis population. Abstract :