title: Sensitization to thimerosal (Merthiolate) is still present today.
abstract: The results on thimerosal (Merthiolate) hypersensitivity of a retrospective study, together with the relevant data on thimerosal hypersensitivity referred to in the literature up to 1993, are presented. Positive patch test reactions to thimerosal (0.1% pet.) were observed in 32 (1.3%) of 2461 adult patients with suspected contact allergy examined in the period 1987-1992. 20 (0.8%) patients had a solitary positive patch test to thimerosal. The observed incidence is low. Clinical symptoms related to thimerosal hypersensitivity were observed in only 3 patients. The collected results are discussed with emphasis on the clinical implications of sensitization to thimerosal. It appears that a positive patch test to thimerosal is frequently clinically irrelevant.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatovenerology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Academic Hospital Rotterdam-Dijkzigt, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: van 't Veen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: van Joost
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000641:Ammonia / Q000009:adverse effects; D001453:Balsams / Q000009:adverse effects; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005029:Ethylenediamines / Q000009:adverse effects; D005054:Eugenol / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000209:etiology; D015994:Incidence; D007509:Irritants / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008627:Mercuric Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects; D010663:Phenylmercury Compounds / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013849:Thimerosal / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D001453:Balsams; D005029:Ethylenediamines; D007509:Irritants; D010476:Perfume; D010663:Phenylmercury Compounds; D013849:Thimerosal; D005054:Eugenol; C029938:nickel sulfate; D008627:Mercuric Chloride; C036643:isoeugenol; C031234:ethylenediamine; D000641:Ammonia; D009532:Nickel; C025080:Peruvian balsam; C028431:mercuric chloride, ammoniated; C008860:phenylmercuric nitrate, basic