Author: Rastogi S, Patel KR, Singam V, Lee HH, Silverberg JI
Source: Dermatitis
Year: 2018
Comment:
Abstract / Excerpt:
BACKGROUND:
Allergic contact dermatitis to metals is a significant clinical and public health problem. Little is known about the determinants of polysensitization to metals.
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and predictors of nickel co-reactions and metal polysensitization.
METHODS:
This is a retrospective chart review of 686 adults (age ≥ 18 years) who were patch tested from 2014 to 2017.
RESULTS:
Overall, 267 patients (38.9%) had 1 or more positive patch-test reactions to a metal allergen, most commonly nickel (17.4%), mercury (12.3%), and palladium (9.2%). Nickel reactions were inversely associated with age (logistic regression; adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.39 [0.29-0.78]). Among patients with positive reactions to nickel, 34.5%, 15.1%, and 5.0% had positive reactions to 1, 2, or 3 additional metals, respectively. The most common nickel co-reactors were palladium, mercury, and gold. Polysensitization to metals occurred in 11.8% of patients. Polysensitization to metal allergens was associated with female sex (6.67 [1.01-44.21]) and inversely associated with age (0.40 [0.18-0.88]).
CONCLUSIONS:
Nickel-sensitized patients have high rates of metal co-reactions. Polysensitization to metals is common in adults. These results may help guide future strategies for allergen avoidance.
Citation: Rastogi S, Patel KR, Singam V, Lee HH, Silverberg JI. Associations of Nickel Co-Reactions and Metal Polysensitization in Adults. Dermatitis. 2018;29(6):316-20.