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An In Vitro Skin Irritation Test (SIT) using the EpiDerm Reconstructed Human Epidermal (RHE) Model
Published on: July 13, 2009
[Value of delayed skin test in elderly patients]
A Castillo Méndez1, A Hernández Castillo, A J Gravalosa Cruz
1Servicio de Inmunoalergia, Hospital General Docente Salvador Allende, La Habana, Cuba.
Revista Alergia Mexico (Tecamachalco, Puebla, Mexico : 1993)
|September 14, 2001
Summary
Diminished skin hypersensitivity responses are common in older adults. This study in Cuba found that a panel of skin tests may predict health outcomes in individuals over 60.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cutaneous hypersensitivity declines with age, particularly after 60.
- Previous studies show reduced immune responses in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses in a healthy Cuban population.
- To evaluate DTH patterns using national antigens in adults aged 60 and above.
Main Methods:
- 87 healthy Cuban adults (60-89 years) received intradermal skin tests.
- Subjects underwent clinical history and analysis to exclude confounding diseases.
- Response was quantified by summing induration diameters (total mean punctuation).
Main Results:
- Total mean punctuation was slightly higher in women across most age groups.
- A slight decrease in response was noted in the 80-89 age group.
Conclusions:
- The proposed skin test panel shows potential as a health indicator for the elderly.
- These tests may serve as predictive markers for morbidity and mortality in older populations.
