The European baseline series in Lithuania: results of patch testing in consecutive adult patients

Abstract

In Lithuania, data on patch testing are lacking and the applicability of the European baseline series needs to be evaluated. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of contact allergy to the European baseline series in the population of patients with suspected allergic contact dermatitis in Lithuania. Between April 2006 and October 2008, 816 consecutive adult patients referred to the Department of Skin and Venereal Diseases, Kaunas University of Medicine, with suspected allergic contact dermatitis were patch tested with the European baseline series. Demographic data were collected in accordance with the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies 'minimal data set'. The positive patch test was observed in 384 (47.4%) patients. The most prevalent contact allergens were nickel sulphate (17.1%), Myroxylon pereirae resin (8.0%), p-phenylenediamine (6.0%), methyldibromo glutaronitrile (5.5%) and colophonium (5.0%). The sex and age factors strongly influenced the prevalence of nickel sensitization. The lowest sensitization prevalences were found to N-isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylene diamine (0.1%) and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (0.1%). Differences in the sensitization prevalences to some allergens of the European baseline series compared with other European countries were recognized. The current European baseline series is a suitable diagnostic tool for contact allergy in Lithuania.