Patch test results in a Dutch paediatric population with suspected contact allergy: A retrospective cohort study. (11th October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barwari, Lizan; Rustemeyer, Thomas; Franken, Sylvie M.; Ipenburg, Norbertus A.
• Is Part Of: Contact dermatitis. Volume 88:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 120
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 2022-10-11
• Subjects: adolescent -- allergic contact dermatitis -- children -- contact allergy -- patch tests -- prevalence -- retrospective studies; Contact dermatitis -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.14231
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-1873

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in paediatric patients is on the rise. Continuous identification of emerging allergens is of great importance to ensure accurate patch testing. Objectives: To assess the frequency and relevance of contact sensitivity in children and adolescents and evaluate changes in sensitization rates in the last decade. Methods: All patients with suspected ACD who underwent patch testing at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers between 2015 and 2021 were included. Results: Of 439 patients tested with the European Baseline Series (EBS) and additional series, 334 (76%) patients had at least 1 positive reaction and 172 patients (39%) had 1 or more relevant positive reactions. If additional series would have been omitted, 20% of patients would have been underdiagnosed. Compared to patients tested between 1996 and 2013, reactions to metal allergens, isothiazolinones, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, carba mix, amerchol L‐101, and benzophenone‐4 were more frequently observed. Conclusions: This study confirms the need for patch testing in paediatric patients suspected of having ACD. For accurate patch testing, it is advised to include additional series. Abstract : Most frequent sensitizers in a Dutch paediatric population ( N = 439). Of the 439 children and adolescents with suspected contact allergy, 334 (76%) had a positive patch test. Testing with only the European baseline series would underdiagnosed 20.3% of all patients tested. Hence, it is advised to test with additional series including patients' own products.