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Patch test results in a Dutch paediatric population with suspected contact allergy: A retrospective cohort study
Lizan Barwari1, Thomas Rustemeyer1, Sylvie M Franken1
1Department of Dermatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Pediatric allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is increasing. Patch testing with additional series is crucial for accurate diagnosis in children and adolescents, identifying emerging allergens.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Allergology
- Paediatric Medicine
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a growing concern in pediatric populations.
- Identifying new allergens is vital for effective patch testing and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and significance of contact sensitivity in children and adolescents.
- To analyze trends in sensitization rates over the past decade.
Main Methods:
- Patch testing was performed on pediatric patients with suspected ACD at Amsterdam University Medical Centers from 2015 to 2021.
- The European Baseline Series (EBS) and supplementary allergen series were utilized.
Main Results:
- Out of 439 patients, 76% showed at least one positive reaction, and 39% had relevant positive reactions.
- Omitting additional series would have led to underdiagnosis in 20% of cases.
- Increased reactions to metal allergens, isothiazolinones, and other specific chemicals were noted compared to earlier periods.
Conclusions:
- Patch testing is essential for diagnosing ACD in pediatric patients.
- Incorporating additional allergen series into patch testing protocols improves diagnostic accuracy.
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.
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