Flare-up reactions after oral challenge with nickel in relation to challenge dose and intensity and time of previous patch test reactions.
BACKGROUND
In this study we have taken an interest in systemic exposure to nickel in patients with delayed hypersensitivity to nickel.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to more closely investigate the importance of factors such as ingested nickel dose, time interval between nickel patch testing and oral nickel challenge as well as degree of nickel hypersensitivity in relation to flare-up reactions.


METHODS
Thirty nickel-sensitive female subjects were patch tested with a serial dilution of nickel sulfate in water on 4 different test occasions during a period of 7 months. One month after the last patch test the patients were randomly divided into 3 different groups. The patients in the groups were challenged orally with a placebo capsule, 1.0 mg nickel, or 3.0 mg nickel.


RESULTS
None of the patients challenged with placebo had flare-up reactions of earlier patch test sites, but 2 of the patients challenged with 1.0 mg nickel and all of the patients challenged with 3.0 mg nickel had flare-up reactions. There were significantly more flare-up reactions of the most recent patch test sites (1 month) compared with the most distant (8 months) test sites. There was also a statistically significant positive correlation between the intensity of previous positive patch tests and the flare-up reactions.


CONCLUSIONS
In the assessment of the possibility of systemic allergic contact dermatitis from nickel, the dose as well as the intensity and time since previous nickel eczema have to be considered.
Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, University Hospital Malmö, Sweden.
M
M
Hindsén
M
M
Bruze
O B
OB
Christensen
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000276:immunology*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009532:Nickel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D009532:Nickel