Contact Allergy in Children in Europe: A Proposal for a Paediatric European Baseline Series.

BACKGROUND

Contact allergy is common in children, but no paediatric baseline series (pEBS) exists in Europe, despite recommendations in several countries.

OBJECTIVES

To collect and compare patch testing data from European centres to propose a common pEBS, possibly adapted by age group.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Data from 13 centres in 12 European countries were aggregated, covering 1816 children (1099 girls, 60.5%), aged 0-16 years, tested with the adult EBS (aEBS) and other frequent allergens between 2018 and 2022. Allergen selection followed adult criteria, with a stricter cut-off for inclusion, requiring at least 1% positive reactions (lower 95% CI) in children.

RESULTS

A total of 17 allergens from the aEBS caused positive reactions in ≥ 1% of children (lower 95% CI). Common allergens included metals, fragrances, and preservatives. Tixocortol-21-pivalate was included despite its lower frequency due to its difficult-to-suspect nature. Additional frequent allergens were hydroperoxides of limonene and linalool, Amerchol L-101, and sorbitan sesquioleate. In total, 18 allergens were identified as potentially qualifying for a pEBS, with a further 7 as recommended additions.

CONCLUSION

Results from patch testing children across europe highlight a common set of frequent allergens, which should be considered for a pEBS.