Patch test results in a Dutch paediatric population with suspected contact allergy: A retrospective cohort study

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) in paediatric patients is on the rise. Continuous identification of emerging allergens is of great importance to ensure accurate patch testing. Objectives: To assess the frequency and relevance of contact sensitivity in children and adolescents and evaluate changes in sensitization rates in the last decade. Methods: All patients with suspected ACD who underwent patch testing at the Amsterdam University Medical Centers between 2015 and 2021 were included. Results: Of 439 patients tested with the European Baseline Series (EBS) and additional series, 334 (76%) patients had at least 1 positive reaction and 172 patients (39%) had 1 or more relevant positive reactions. If additional series would have been omitted, 20% of patients would have been underdiagnosed. Compared to patients tested between 1996 and 2013, reactions to metal allergens, isothiazolinones, methyldibromo glutaronitrile, carba mix, amerchol L-101, and benzophenone-4 were more frequently observed. Conclusions: This study confirms the need for patch testing in paediatric patients suspected of having ACD. For accurate patch testing, it is advised to include additional series.