Patch testing with thimerosal in a Canadian center: an 11-year experience.

摘要: BACKGROUND: Thimerosal has been used for decades as an antiseptic, a disinfectant, and preservative in various consumer products. It is also notoriously frequent contact allergen, but the significance of positive patch-test reactions debated over past decade. OBJECTIVE: The aim this study was to assess prevalence relevance thimerosal large Canadian center compare our results with those previous publications. METHODS: A retrospective analysis data collected course 11 years dermatitis clinic university hospital performed. RESULTS: Of 2252 subjects patch-tested thimerosal, were observed 102 individuals (4.53%), placing fifth most common allergen practice. sensitization rate equivalent between patients who underwent aimed patch testing routinely tested reaction when included standard patch-testing series 8 into study. There increased incidence chemists laboratory technicians, well health care workers, including medical doctors, registered nurses, dentists, dental assistants. While eight deemed possibly relevant, none cases it possible definitely establish either because presence could not be verified patients' products or these gave negative results. CONCLUSION: In agreement reports, we conclude that even though are frequent, very few seem clinically relevant.