An Analysis of Patch Test Results in Patients with Allergic Contact Dermatitis - Change in Results Obtained from the Same Hospital within 10 Years

Abstract

Background: Causative antigens in allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) can be changed by several variables, including time and place. Change in antigens over a period of time in the same institution is one way to reduce the variables; however, these investigations have rarely been performed in Korea. Objective: To investigate the change in patch test results by comparing with the results obtained 10 years ago at the same hospital. Methods: Patch test results were analyzed retrospectively through the medical records of patients with suspected ACD who underwent the patch test using Korean standard series between September 2015 and September 2018. The institutional Review Board of the Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital approved this study. The results of the patch test were compared with those obtained 10 years ago. Results: A total of 360 patients (males: 142, females: 218) were included. Compared wim the results obtained 10 years ago, the positivity rates of metal-related allergens (nickel sulfate, cobalt chloride, and potassium dichromate), fragrance allergens, and 4-phenylenediamine base were increased, whereas the positivity rates of mercury ammonium chloride, thimerosal, and formaldehyde were decreased. Conclusion: The patch test results obtained at the same hospital over a 10-year interval suggest that causative allergens in ACD could change with time lapse. In the future, collaborative studies including a number of participating hospitals are needed for obtaining more reliable results. © 2020 Korean Dermatological Association. All rights reserved.