Usefulness of the European standard series for patch testing in children. A 3-year single-centre study of 337 patients.
Results of patch tests in 337 children aged 1 to 15 performed in our paediatric unit during the past 3 years have been analysed retrospectively in order to optimize the patch test series and to assess their relevance. This study represents the most important single-centre study reported so far over a short period. We found a positive patch test rate of 66%, with a peak incidence among children less than 3 years of age (88% versus 58.9%). The most common allergens were metals, especially nickel, fragrances and, less frequently, rubber chemicals. Concerning nickel, positive reactions rarely correlated with a relevant exposure and were difficult to interpret, especially in patients with atopic dermatitis, who are probably more likely to have irritant or false-positive reactions to metals. Based on the results and their relevance, we propose a shortened standard series of patch tests for paediatric patients.
Roul
S
S
Service de Dermatologie Pédiatrique, Hôpital Pellegrin Enfants, Bordeaux, France.
Ducombs
G
G
Taieb
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000485:Allergens / Q000009:adverse effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007223:Infant; D009532:Nickel / Q000009:adverse effects; D010328:Patch Tests / Q000592:standards*; D010476:Perfume / Q000009:adverse effects; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects
D000485:Allergens; D010476:Perfume; D009532:Nickel; D012408:Rubber