Patch test results to the Spanish baseline patch test series according to age groups: A multicentric prospective study from 2019 to 2023.

INTRODUCTION

Patch test results may be influenced by age-related factors. However, there is still discordant evidence between age and patch test results.

OBJECTIVES

We aim to evaluate the patch test results reflecting skin sensitisation, their relevance and association with clinical features by age group.

METHODS

Prospective multicentric study of all patients patch tested with the Spanish baseline series in participating centres. Age groups were pre-defined as children (0- to 11-years), adolescents (12- to 18-years), young adults (19- to 30-years), middle-aged adults (31- to 65-years) and older adults (≥66-years). Occurrence of sensitisation, relevance and clinical features were compared by age group. Factors associated with skin sensitisation were investigated with multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 13 368 patients were patch-tested. Differences in positive patch test results and relevance by age were detected with the highest proportion in middle-aged adults. Age-related trend differences were found for nickel, potassium dichromate, caines, colophony, Myroxylon pereirae resin, 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate and limonene hydroperoxide. The multivariate logistic analysis (adjusted for sex, atopic dermatitis, body location and occupational dermatitis) showed an association between the age group of 31-65 (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.26-1.58) and above 66-years (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01-1.32) with a higher proportion of positive results, compared with young adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Positive patch test results vary according to age, with the highest occurrence in middle-aged adults. Most haptens did not present age-related differences, reinforcing the use of baseline series regardless of age.