Diagnostic accuracy of patch testing based on clinical response to contact allergen restrictions in allergic contact dermatitis

Abstract

Background. Patch testing (PT) is used to identify substances that cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). However, the clinical effects of allergen restrictions following PT have not been thoroughly investigated. This study aims to assess the diagnostic accuracy of PT in patients suspected of having ACD. Methods. Prospective study. PT was performed in patients with clinical diagnosis of ACD. Patients with a positive PT (case group) had a strict restriction of the suspected substance for one month. In patients with negative patch testing (control group), allergen restriction was based on clinical history. Clinical reduction (CR) of at least 50% in disease activity (CR50%) after one month of allergen restriction was considered clinically relevant. Total control was defined as clinical reduction of at least 90% (CR90%). Results. Of 400 patients, 66.2% had a positive PT. The sensitivity of PT according to CR50% was 84%, specificity 47%, PPV 53%, and NPV 81%. Only 10.5% of patients achieved CR90%. Conclusions. The PT had moderate diagnostic accuracy. It could be useful as a screening, but a positive result should be confirmed with controlled allergen restriction. The low number of patients who achieved a 90% CR requests to reconsider the allergens included in PT and the mechanistic processes of the disease.