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Audit of Finn Chamber patch test preparation.

Reproducibility of patch test reactions is an important aspect of patch testing. Thin layer rapid use epicutaneous tests (TRUE Test) are preloaded with allergen, whereas Finn Chambers are empty discs that have allergen applied from a syringe. The amount of allergen applied to each Finn Chamber is therefore potentially variable depending on technique. This may increase the risk of non-reproducibility of reactions. We have performed an audit of patch test preparation in our department looking at weight variation of both individual Finn Chambers and 3 completed panels before and after allergen application. We found that the variance in weight was not significant for 2 of the 3 panels and single Finn Chambers with allergen in petrolatum. The variance in weight was significant for single Finn Chambers with allergen in solution and the third panel, which contains an allergen in solution. The clinical significance of these results is unclear.

Allergens↗

Japanese cedar pollen as an exacerbation factor in atopic dermatitis: results of atopy patch testing and histological examination.

Atopy patch testing with Japanese cedar pollen extract has been used to investigate patients with atopic dermatitis whose condition is exacerbated by contact with Japanese cedar pollen. Comparative atopy patch testing, scratch tests, and assays for total IgE and specific IgE were performed in 74 patients with atopic dermatitis, 5 patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis and 15 control subjects. A skin biopsy was performed on any sites that were positive to Japanese cedar pollen patch test. The results after 48 h of atopy patch testing were compared with the patient's history, skin scratch test and specific IgE. Twenty-two of the 74 patients (30%) had a history of exacerbation every spring after contact with Japanese cedar. Of these patients 68% showed a positive reaction to Japanese cedar pollen extract, as did 21% of patients with atopic dermatitis without a history of exacerbation by Japanese cedar pollen, 20% of patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis without eruption and 7% of control subjects. A histological examination revealed eczematous changes and infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils in atopy patch testing positive sites. In conclusion, atopy patch testing with Japanese cedar pollen extract is a useful method for investigating trigger factors for eczematous skin lesions in a subgroup of patients with atopic dermatitis.

Adult↗

Correlations of patch test reactivity and the repeated open application test (ROAT)/provocative use test (PUT).

The clinical relevance of patch test reactions is often difficult to determine. Use tests have been developed to further evaluate the significance of patch test results. We review studies that have defined correlations between the threshold concentrations at patch testing and the outcome of use tests for particular chemical allergens. Results of patch testing with serial dilutions of colophony, cinnamic aldehyde, and isoeugenol have shown concordance with the outcome of use tests. On the other hand, poor correlations between patch test reactivity and the use test were demonstrated in another study on isoeugenol and on studies on hydroxycitronellal, formaldehyde and chromium. These studies shed light on some factors that may influence the outcome of use tests. Individual factors such as patch test sensitivity, regional variations in reactivity and percutaneous penetration appear to play significant roles. Exposure dose, length of time of exposure, and other factors yet to be determined also affect degree of reactivity. Because patients with low thresholds in serial dilution patch testing are known to react to lower concentrations of products at use testing, results of these studies may be used to help identify subjects with a high risk of developing clinical disease. From the public health standpoint, data obtained may be used as a guide in limiting exposure concentrations in consumer products.

Acrolein↗

[Patch testing with the "Austrian standard series"--epidemiologic test values and results].

Patch testing for contact allergies is routinely performed by applying a "standard series" of the most frequently occurring contact allergens. Internationally "established" standard series have to be adapted to country- and population-specific factors (i.e., distribution of gender and age, occupational behavior, environmental factors etc.). In 1992 and 1993 altogether 11,690 patients were patch tested in 14 Austrian test centers with the "Austrian standard patch test series" as recommended by the working group "Contact Allergy" of the Austrian Society of Dermatology. Altogether data on 11,544 patients were complete and are analyzed in this study. 71.5% of the test population were female with an average age of 39 years, whereas the male patients had an average age of 40 years. 38.1% of the patients were younger than 30 years, 47.8% were in the group ranging from 31 to 60 years and 14% of the tested patients were older than 60 years. Cutaneous sensitization was found in 51% of the people tested with the "Austrian standard series". This proportion varied between 40.8 and 61.4% from center to center (with more than 100 tested persons). 15 (60%) of the 25 test substances in 1992 and 17 (68%) in 1993 surpassed the limit of a sensitization frequency of 1%. The "hit list" of substances did not differ qualitatively from those of other international studies, with only one remarkable, well described "Austrian-specific" exception, namely the mercury-containing thiomersal (second place).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Allergic hypersensitivity to neomycin. Relationship between patch test reactions and 'use' tests.

The prevalence of neomycin patch test sensitivity in the general population is approximately 1%. We describe the relationship between positive neomycin patch tests and clinical "use tests" with two antibiotic combinations (Neosporin G cream and Neosporin ointment). The neomycin use test was positive in seven of eight subjects with a strongly positive patch test, and in two of four subjects with a weakly positive patch test. A positive use test usually occurred earlier and was always more intense with the cream base. The use test reactions were usually mild even with continued application of the antigen. Use tests with commercial products may be helpful in evaluating the clinical relevance of positive patch tests.

Drug Hypersensitivity↗

Allergic contact dermatitis from corticosteroids: reproducibility of patch testing and correlation with intradermal testing.

BACKGROUND: Corticosteroid contact allergy is not uncommon. The diagnosis can be made with either patch testing or intradermal (ID) testing. In view of a few problems that have been encountered with patch testing, patch testing is considered inferior to ID testing. The reported reproducibility of positive patch-test results in the literature ranges from 47 to 98%. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to (1) determine the reproducibility of patch testing with topical steroid preparations and their clinical relevance, (2) correlate positive results with ID testing, (3) address the issue of cross-reactivity between different steroid groups, and (4) identify the percentage of positive reactions to preservatives and vehicles used in commercial topical steroids. METHODS: A total of 19 patients with positive patch-test reactions to steroids from 1995 to 2004 were identified. Atopic patients and patients with type I hypersensitivity were excluded. The patients were patch-tested with a steroid series, select commercial steroid products, and vehicles and preservatives used in these preparations. The same patients were subjected to ID testing with select steroids. Readings were done on days 2, 5, and 7. ID testing was also performed on 9 control patients. RESULTS: Tixocortol-21-pivalate is the most common steroid allergen (68%). The reproducibility of patch testing with topical steroid preparations ranged from 66 to 100%. Reactions to both ID testing and patch testing occurred in 16 patients (89%); 1 patient reacted to patch testing and 1 other reacted to ID testing. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers accounted for the majority of reactions in the vehicles and preservatives group. CONCLUSION: Patch testing is sufficient in diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis from topical steroids. Testing with commercial products is not a good screen for steroid allergy. The most common cross-reactions were between group A (hydrocortisone-type) corticosteroids and group D2 corticosteroids (composed of labile esters, with a long-chain ester at C17 and possibly C21).

Administration, Cutaneous↗

Effect of test techniques of perfusion of neomycin sulfate patch tests. A comparative study with visual assessments.

Effects of test techniques on neomycin patch test results have not been thoroughly investigated. This study focuses on effects of dose and application time of neomycin sulfate patch tests on test results. The effects are assessed both visually and by perfusion. 16 subjects positive to neomycin are retested with neomycin sulfate in various doses and vehicles applied with different application devices for variable time intervals. All subjects were tested with a serial-dose series for time intervals ranging from 3 to 96 h (4 days [D]). The results show very good agreement between perfusion assessments and positive and negative visual assessments of reactions; however, a gray zone was detected where reactions with variable perfusion were associated with visually questionable test responses. 1:27 serial dilutions and wide application time intervals show a positive response with perfusion assessments and partly with visual assessments. Regardless of reading technique, highest reactivity of reactions was detected at either 96 h (day [D] 4) or 168 h (D7) in each subject with minor exceptions, regardless of dose, vehicle, application device or application time. Some findings of the study support the idea that reactions with papules alone are positive tests. Possible effect of tapes and foils on test results are discussed.

Adult↗

Iontophoresis of nickel elicits a delayed cutaneous response in sensitized individuals that is similar to an allergic patch test reaction.

Wearing of patch test chambers for 1-2 days is uncomfortable for patients. Allergen application by iontophoresis avoids this, but it is unknown so far whether iontophoresis itself interferes with the delayed immune response. We compared the effects occurring 48 h after iontophoresis with distilled water, 0.9% NaCl, and 0.01 M NiSO4 in normal volunteers and in nickel-sensitized patients (total n=36). Visual assessment was performed and transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration, cutaneous blood flow, and immunohistopathology were determined. After iontophoresis with nickel sulfate, only individuals sensitized to nickel reacted with a positive clinical response, increase in cutaneous blood flow, decline in epidermal CD-1a-positive cells, increase in epidermal proliferation (Ki-67-positive cells), pronounced infiltration of cells positive for CD4, CD11, or CLA, and cellular activation (expression of ICAM1, HLA-DR). Iontophoresis with distilled water or saline did not result in such reactions in volunteers with or without nickel sensitization, and the latter also tolerated nickel iontophoresis without significant skin reactions. We conclude that the delayed cutaneous response to nickel induced via iontophoresis is specific and similar to a positive patch test reaction. Iontophoresis may therefore be considered as an alternative to patch testing.

Adult↗

Simultaneous sodium lauryl sulphate testing improves the diagnostic validity of allergic patch tests. Results from a prospective multicentre study of the German Contact Dermatitis Research Group (Deutsche Kontaktallergie-Gruppe, DKG).

BACKGROUND: There is evidence that a higher skin susceptibility may induce nonspecific erythematous or weak positive reactions to contact allergens in patch testing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether simultaneous application of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) along with diagnostic patch tests with contact allergens can provide information regarding skin irritability which may help to discriminate allergic from nonspecific irritant reactions to contact allergens. METHODS: Between July 2001 and June 2003, this prospective study collected patch test data of 5971 patients from 19 centres in Germany and Austria in the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK). In addition to contact allergens (standard series and eight known 'problematic' allergens with a low reaction index and a high positivity ratio: 1,3-diphenylguanidine, amerchol L-101, benzalkonium chloride, benzoyl peroxide, cocamidopropyl betaine, octyl gallate, phenyl mercuric acetate and propylene glycol), patches with SLS 0.5% and 0.25% aq. were applied. Reactions to the allergens and to SLS were analysed at the IVDK data centre. The association between an erythematous or positive reaction to a certain allergen and an irritant reaction to SLS was assessed with logistic regression analysis, at the same time controlling for the influence of age and sex. RESULTS: Of the 29 allergens of the standard series, 23 and 21 gave a higher percentage of nonspecific erythematous reactions in patients with an irritant reaction to 0.25% and 0.5% SLS, respectively, in comparison with SLS-negative patients. All eight 'problematic' allergens gave an increased percentage of nonspecific erythematous reactions. Similarly, 22 and 21 allergens of the standard series gave a higher percentage of positive allergic reactions in patients with an irritant reaction to 0.25% and 0.5% SLS, respectively, and seven of the eight 'problematic' allergens gave a higher percentage of positive allergic reactions (exception: octyl gallate). For most allergens, the markers of skin reaction (reaction index and positivity ratio) were worse in SLS-positive patients. Differences were more pronounced when testing with SLS 0.25% than with SLS 0.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Because there is a convincing association between skin irritability (evaluated by SLS test) and the degree of skin reaction to contact allergens, the SLS test may help in deciding whether a doubtful erythematous or weakly 'positive' skin reaction should be interpreted as allergic or irritant.

Adult↗

Patch testing of 490 patients in Hong Kong.

Patch testing, using European standard allergens and suspected causative substances brought in by patients, was carried out in 490 patients with eczema in Hong Kong and 437 completed the test. Before patch testing, 244, 141 and 105 patients were diagnosed as having contact dermatitis, endogenous eczema and unclassified eczema, respectively. After patch testing, the diagnosis of the causal agent was changed in 54 contact dermatitis patients, and 18% of endogenous eczema patients and 34% of unclassified eczema patients were re-diagnosed as contact dermatitis. In the patients with a final diagnosis of contact dermatitis, 19.5% were positive to fragrance mix, followed by nickel sulfate (16.4%) and cobalt chloride (11.3%). The commonest causative agents for contact dermatitis were soap or detergent (22.0%) and traditional Chinese medicine (17.3%); the latter was a more common cause of contact dermatitis than Western medicine (9.0%) or metals (13.4%). The prevalence of allergic reaction to fragrance in Hong Kong was higher than among Chinese in Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei or Singapore (78% ethnic Chinese). Dermatologists should have a high index of suspicion about traditional medications and should patch test with the suspected substance when patients give a history of use.

Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗

Evaluation of skin susceptibility to irritancy by routine patch testing with sodium lauryl sulfate.

Irritant patch testing with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) will become more and more a routine test determining skin susceptibility in men. Recently, it has been shown that for practical reasons, irritant SLS patch testing can take place on the back simultaneously with a routine allergic patch test to other contact allergens. However, SLS patch testing has mostly been performed on the forearm in studying experimental skin irritation so far. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a relationship in skin response to aqueous SLS (0.125%; 0.25%; 0.5% and 1.0%) between the forearm and the back assessed by visual scoring and measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). We found a pronounced reaction of the forearm compared to the back. TEWL values as well as visual scores correlated well with SLS concentration. There was also a high correlation in visual scoring between the forearm and the back. Based on test sensitivity and specificity we suggest a 48 hrs patch test for routine screening with 0.5% SLS on the forearm evaluated by TEWL measurement or visual scoring 24 hrs after patch removal. A mild erythema (scored as < or =1) is considered to be normal. If for practical reasons, the SLS patch is placed on the back simultaneously with the allergic patch test, 0.5% SLS may be sufficient, too. TEWL measurement so far provides a reliable method and will certainly be necessary for experimental studies on irritant skin reactions, particularly when different SLS concentrations are used. After a 48 hrs patch test with SLS 0.5% TEWL measurement should be performed at 72 hrs. A value of < or =31.6 g/m(2)hr seems to follow the normal distribution.

Back↗

The importance of a dedicated patch test clinic.

BACKGROUND: A specialist patch test clinic was set up in April 1997 at the Department of Dermatology, South Infirmary-Victoria Hospital, Cork, Ireland. The number of batteries available was expanded from six to 21 and the routine testing of patients to their own products was introduced, as was prick testing for latex hypersensitivity. OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of introducing this clinic on the detection of allergic contact dermatitis. METHODS: Patch test results for the first full year of operation of the clinic (1998) were compared with those in the year prior to setting it up (1996). RESULTS: Although the number of patients tested rose after the introduction of the new clinic, the difference was not significant as the number of new dermatology general referrals had also risen. Thirty-one of the 91 patients tested in 1996 had positive patch tests compared with 84 of 158 tested in 1998 (P = 0.0036). Eighteen allergens were detected in 1996 and 53 in 1998. Two patients were positive to their own products in 1996, compared with 12 in 1998 (P = 0.04). The commercial batteries were negative in four of these cases. Three cases of latex hypersensitivity were detected in 1998. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of a specialist patch test clinic resulted in an increase in detected cases of allergic contact dermatitis. The larger range of batteries available and the more widespread testing of patients' own products were the principal factors involved.

Allergens↗

Immunohistochemistry of lymphocytes and Langerhans' cells in long-lasting allergic patch tests.

A long-lasting allergic patch test is a "normal" allergic patch test that remains positive for weeks or months. An immunohistochemical study of immunocompetent cells in the skin in this rare type of patch tests was performed. Most inflammatory cells were T11 positive T-lymphocytes. The majority of these cells were of the helper/inducer phenotype (T4+), but a relative increase of T8+ cells as compared to the initial (1-2d) stages of allergic patch tests was observed. T6+ Langerhans' cells (LCs) were normal or increased in number in the epidermis, while very few dendritic cells displayed Ial antigen in the epidermis, indicating loss of Ial-staining of LCs. High to very high numbers of T6+ cells were found in the dermis. An inflammatory reaction of hair follicles with moderate numbers of T6+ cells in the peribulbar infiltrate was observed indicating that hair follicles might act as shunt pathways for allergens. A defect in down regulation of the contact hypersensitivity reaction and/or a constant antigen stimulation could be responsible for the long-lasting allergic patch tests.

Allergens↗

Allergic contact dermatitis due to phenylephrine hydrochloride, with an unusual patch test reaction.

2-day (2-D) closed patch tests are often used in daily clinical practice and useful for evaluating the cause of allergic contact dermatitis. However, even when 2-D closed patch tests at appropriate concentrations are performed for suspected allergic contact dermatitis based on clinical findings, positive reactions are not always obtained. Therefore, although the use of the allergen again induces similar symptoms, a definite diagnosis cannot be made in some cases. We report a case of allergic contact dermatitis due to phenylephrine hydrochloride in eyedrops, with an unusual patch test reaction. Although the results of the routine 2-D closed patch test were negative, a definite diagnosis could be made by closed scratch-patch test. In addition, long-lasting allergic patch test reactions were observed at the positive scratch-patch test site for about 3 months. We speculated that these unusual results on patch testing in our case were associated with the degree of percutaneous absorption of causative agents. Therefore, even when 2-D closed patch tests are negative, scratch-patch tests may be indicated for patients in whom clinical symptoms continue strongly to suggest contact dermatitis.

Aged↗

Effect of dark test-substance pigmentation on skin perfusion assessments and effect of test technique on balsam of Peru patch-test results.

13 balsam of Peru (Myroxylon Pereirae) patch-test-positive subjects are re-tested with 25% balsam of Peru in petrolatum and with serial doses printed on polyester squares. All substances are applied with tape strips for 3, 6, 24 (1 day [D]), 48 (2D), 72 (3D) and 96 h (4D) on each subject and for 96 h (4D) with plastic foils. Tests are followed visually and with perfusion assessments from 3 h to 9 days. Results show that pigment remnants following detachment of patches affect perfusion assessments. Such effect due to pigment is supported by readings of patch tests through the petrolatum test substance while applied with transparent foils. For most reactions, good agreement is observed between the assessment techniques when peak assessment values of reactions are compared. There is inter-individual variation in perfusion with identical tests. With the petrolatum test substance, increased visible reactivity was observed when the application time was extended up to 24 h (1D), while extension of application time increased perfusion in most cases except for an extension from 24 (2D) to 48 h (4D) where decreased perfusion resulted in most cases. Dose and application time did not affect the timing of highest reactivity of reactions in most cases.

Adult↗

Patch testing technique.

The patch test is a necessary tool to evaluate contact dermatitis and other pruritic dermatoses. To obtain accurate test results, however, high-quality test material must be used, the application technique must be correct, and the results must be evaluated with skill and criticism. The relevance of the test should be related to the patient's history: both positive and negative test results are of importance.

Allergens↗

Drug patch testing in systemic cutaneous drug allergy.

Patch testing with the suspected compound has been reported to be helpful in determining the cause of a cutaneous adverse drug reaction (CADR) and in studying the pathophysiological mechanisms involved. The main advantages of drug patch tests are that they can be done with no hospital surveillance because they induce only rarely adverse reactions and that any commercialized form of a drug can be used. In contrast, intradermal tests can be performed only with injectable forms or with a pure and sterile form of the drug. It is advised to perform drug patch tests during the 6 months following the CADR as we do not know whether positive results will persist. Due to the possibility that a low concentration might yield false negative results, drug patch tests have to be performed with rather high concentrations of the commercialized form of the drug, mostly diluted at 30% in petrolatum and/or in water. For some drugs and severe CADR, it is necessary to tests with lower concentrations or in other vehicles. Drug patch tests are positive in ca. 32-50% of patients who have developed a CADR. The clinical relevance of drug patch tests depends on the clinical features of the CADR (valuable in testing generalized eczema, systemic contact dermatitis, maculopapular rash, acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis, fixed drug eruption) and on the involved drug. As false positive results can be observed, it is always necessary to consider the relevance of any positive drug patch test. Their specificity and their negative predictive value have not been yet determined.

Animals↗