European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (<scp>ESSCA</scp>): results with the European baseline series, 2013/14

TLDR

Contact allergy is common and can severely interfere with daily life or work, and its spectrum shifts with new substances, products, formulations, and regulatory changes. The study aimed to assess the current spectrum of contact allergy to allergens in the European baseline series across Europe. Researchers performed a retrospective analysis of 2013/14 ESSCA patch‑testing data from 46 departments in 12 European countries. Among 31,689 patients, methylisothiazolinone allergy rose to ~20% in several departments while nickel, cobalt, chromium, fragrance mix I/II, and Myroxylon pereirae prevalences remained stable; occupational departments showed higher rates of epoxy resin and rubber additive allergies, demonstrating that continuous surveillance can detect time trends and guide focused research.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Contact allergy is a common condition and can severely interfere with daily life or professional activities. Due to changes in exposures, such as introduction of new substances, new products or formulations and regulatory intervention, the spectrum of contact sensitization changes. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current spectrum of contact allergy to allergens present in the European baseline series (EBS) across Europe. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data collected by the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA, www.essca-dc.org) in consecutively patch-tested patients, 2013/14, in 46 departments in 12 European countries. RESULTS: Altogether, 31 689 patients were included in the analysis. Compared to a similar analysis in 2004, the prevalence of contact allergy to methylisothiazolinone went up to around 20% in several departments. In comparison, contact allergy to the metals nickel, cobalt and chromium remained largely stable, at 18.1%, 5.9% and 3.2%, respectively, similar to mostly unchanged prevalence with fragrance mix I, II and Myroxylon pereirae (balsam of Peru) at 7.3%, 3.8% and 5.3%, respectively. In the subgroup of departments diagnosing (mainly) patients with occupational contact dermatitis, the prevalence of work-related contact allergies such as epoxy resin or rubber additives was found to be increased, compared to general dermatology departments. CONCLUSION: Continuous surveillance of contact allergy based on network data offers the identification of time trends or persisting problems, and thus enables focussing in-depth research (subgroup analyses, exposure analysis) on areas where it is needed.