Photosensitivity testing in children.
BACKGROUND
Phototesting is an important diagnostic tool to objectify light-related symptoms. Data on phototesting procedures in children are scarce.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate phototest results in photosensitivity disorders in children.


METHODS
The phototest procedures are described. All children phototested in our department between 1995 and 2007 were included in this retrospective study. Children given the diagnosis of polymorphic light eruption (PLE) were selected for follow-up.


RESULTS
A total of 92 children (39 boys and 53 girls, age range 4-16 years) were successfully phototested. A photosensitivity disorder was confirmed in 56 children (61%, 24 boys and 32 girls). PLE was diagnosed in 39%, photosensitivity associated with atopic dermatitis in 23%, and erythropoietic protoporphyria in 23%. Other diagnoses were less common. Ten children with PLE were followed up for at least 5 years. Seven reported their photosensitivity had not changed over time, in two cases it had diminished, and in one patient the photosensitivity had disappeared.


CONCLUSIONS
Retrospective study design is a limitation.


CONCLUSIONS
Phototesting in children is feasible when performed in a case- and child-dependent manner. PLE was the most prevalent diagnosis in our series followed by photosensitivity in atopic dermatitis.
ten Berge
Onno
O
Department of Dermatology/Allergology/Venereology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands. o.tenberge@umcutrecht.nl
Sigurdsson
Vigfus
V
Bruijnzeel-Koomen
Carla A F M
CA
van Weelden
Huib
H
Pasmans
Suzanne G M A
SG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D046351:Protoporphyria, Erythropoietic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects; D055815:Young Adult