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.