Sensitization to palladium in Europe
Joris Muris1, An Goossens, Margarida Gonçalo
1Department of Dental Materials Science, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam and VU University Amsterdam, Gustav Mahlerlaan 3004, 1081 LA, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Background:
Recently, sodium tetrachloropalladate (Na2 PdCl4 ) was found to be a more sensitive palladium patch test allergen than palladium dichloride (PdCl2 ).
Objectives:
To determine the optimal test concentration of Na2 PdCl4 , to evaluate the prevalence of palladium sensitization with Na2 PdCl4 and PdCl2 , and to compare the results with nickel sensitization in a European multicentre study.
Materials And Methods:
In addition to the European or national baseline series including NiSO4 ·6H2 0 5% pet., consecutive patients were tested with PdCl2 and Na2 PdCl4 2%, 3% and 4% pet. in eight European dermatology clinics. The age and sex distributions were also evaluated in patients sensitized to nickel and palladium.
Results:
In total, 1651 patients were tested. Relative to 3% Na2 PdCl4 , 4% Na2 PdCl4 did not add any information. Two per cent Na2 PdCl4 resulted in more doubtful reactions and showed suboptimal reactivity. The prevalence of palladium sensitization doubled with Na2 PdCl4 and was similar to that of nickel. Interestingly, in contrast to nickel sensitization, palladium sensitization was not related to female sex.
Conclusions:
Three per cent Na2 PdCl4 pet. is the most suitable patch test concentration. Sensitization to palladium is almost as prevalent as sensitization to nickel. The sex distribution is different between nickel-sensitized and palladium-sensitized patients, suggesting different sources of exposure.
