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Sensitization to palladium chloride: a 10-year evaluation.
Francesca Larese Filon1, Daniele Uderzo, Emma Bagnato
1Istituto di Medicina del Lavoro, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Italy. larese@univ.trieste.it
Summary
Palladium sensitization is increasing, particularly in females, with rising rates observed over a decade. Further monitoring is needed to understand its impact due to frequent co-sensitization with nickel.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Toxicology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Palladium use is rising in consumer products due to restrictions on nickel.
- This increase necessitates understanding palladium's sensitization potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 10-year trend of palladium sensitization in a contact dermatitis clinic.
- To assess the clinical relevance of palladium sensitization.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing of 4,446 patients with suspected contact dermatitis from 1991-2000.
- Analysis of palladium sensitization rates, demographics, and co-sensitizations.
Main Results:
- Palladium sensitization affected 5.3% of patients, higher in females (6.7%) than males (2.3%).
- Sensitization increased annually, reaching 9.7% by 2000.
- Hand dermatitis (40.5%) and body dermatitis (47.4%) were common; 7.2% were solely palladium-sensitized.
Conclusions:
- Palladium sensitization is increasing, especially in females.
- Frequent co-sensitization with nickel complicates assessment of palladium's role.
- Long-term monitoring is crucial to track increasing palladium sensitization.