Surveillance of contact allergies: methods and results of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK)

Abstract

Contact allergy (CA) surveillance networks provide information to a multitude of stakeholders, which is indispensable for evidence-based decision-making in the field of prevention. Methods and results of the German surveillance system on CA are reviewed and discussed with reference to other systems. The German network structure comprises 56 departments of dermatology and includes all patients who are patch-tested for suspected CA. Data analysis considers the results of patch testing and further pertinent information for each patient. Following aspects are addressed: (i) the description of the clinical population, (ii) evaluation of patch test reactions, (iii) relationship between patch test results and population characteristics. Trend analyses on chromate (decreasing), epoxy resin (increasing) and nickel (heterogeneous) served as examples for surveillance system analyses, with the identification of sentinel events, as well as proof of success or failure of prevention. In addition, external data sources can be used such as sales data of patch test preparations to estimate frequencies of sensitization on a population level. National prescription data of drugs and statistics of labelling of preservatives on cosmetics can be included, the latter two approaches allowing for risk estimates conferred by specific allergens.

Risk factors of polysensitization to contact allergens

“…Its methods have been described elsewhere. 3 Briefly, patch test data are collected along with a standardized patient history and transferred to the data centre in G€ ottingen, Germany, twice a year in an anonymous format. Only those data complying with internal quality standards 4 are included in scientific analyses such as the present one.…”

Health effects of wind turbines in working environments – a scoping review

“…The finding that epoxy resin systems can cause allergic reactions and result in contact eczema in the occupational setting is not restricted to production workers in rotor blade manufactories (42). Due to its excellent mechanical and chemical features, epoxy resin is used in several industrial sectors (eg, building industry, metal industry, chemical industry) (43) and hence, many professions (eg, painters, plastics processors, pavers, floorers, chemical plant operators, metal workers) are affected (43,44). Preventive measures (eg, proper risk education and wearing adequate gloves at work) are essential due to the high prevalence of dermatological complaints, and since the substitution of epoxy resin in these industries is hardly possible (31,43).…”

Dermatite de Contacto Alérgica em Profissionais de Saúde

“…21 The diagnostic work-up of ACD includes a complete physical examination, a detailed occupational history (exposure at work, use of personal protective equipment, work and skin care practices, relationship of the symptoms with work and whether other workers are also affected), and a fundamental step, patch testing, the most important investigative and diagnostic method available for studying the aetiology of delayed contact hypersensitivity. 16;22 There is lack of data in Portuguese healthcare centres, 2;28 but we have reasons to believe, according to findings in literature, 1,6,19,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29] that targeted interventions based on well documented risk factors and allergens may provide a particularly beneficial cost-benefit effect in HCW, particularly in hand eczema. 7,9 In order to manage properly the occupational ACD, detailed information on the incidence and causes of occupational ACD is needed.…”