FS05.5 The European Standard Series in 8 European countries – first results of the ESSCA network

Since January 2001, the European surveillance system on contact allergies (ESSCA) has developed a suitable infrastructure with the financial support of EU funding (QLK4-CT-2001–00343 and –2001–2812), and has started to collect patch test data. These comprise a standardized clinical history and patch test results with the European standard series, contributed by the 12 centres in 8 European countries listed above. So far, with the 2003 data collection not yet completed, 7636 patients’ test results have been pooled and analysed; current data pertaining to 2002 and 2003 will be presented. Anamnestic data reflect partly the specialties of some centres (e.g., the % of occupational and hand dermatitis ranging between 6 and 29% and 18 and 56%), partly different selection criteria or possibly also definitions (e.g., 7–32% with underlying atopic dermatitis, 40–69% of patients age 40+). The leading allergen was nickel sulfate (15.7%, age- and sex-standardized), with however, large inter-national variation (the lowest standardized prevalence, 9.7%, was observed in Gentofte, Denmark, where nickel regulation had long been introduced). The prevalence of contact allergy to Myroxylon Pereirae resin (7.8%) has almost reached the frequency found with the fragrance mix (8.3%). In the two centres using the True Test™, both percentages were even lower, which may be indicative of a systematic effect. Within a few years, ESSCA is expected to meet its objective of increased consumer safety by post-marketing surveillance by continuously monitoring contact allergy across Europe.