Klinische Kontaktallergie-Surveillance in Europa — das ESSCA-Netzwerk

Summary

Background

The main objective of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA; http://www.essca-dc.org ) is to monitor the frequency of contact sensitizations (CS) in a European clinical population of patients undergoing diagnostic patch testing.

Methods

In 2004, dermatology departments from eleven countries electronically collected patient histories and patch test results. Data were pooled and analyzed at the ESSCA data center.

Results

A total of 11,643 patients were tested with standard-series allergens, and 44% of the patients tested positive (+ to +++) to one or more allergens of the European standard series. Positive reactions were most frequently seen to metal salts and fragrance mix.

Conclusion

The ESSCA network provides information regarding recent CS patterns in the network’s countries, which, for example, exemplifies the success of Denmark’s early regulation of nickel exposure.