Atopy patch testing and associations with atopic conditions and specific IgE tests: a population-based study in adolescents

Background

The clinical usefulness of the atopy patch test (APT) is unclear for investigating aeroallergen- and food-triggered atopic dermatitis (AD).

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of positive APT reactions in a population of adolescents and investigate possible associations between the APT, specific serum (s) immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests, self-reported atopic conditions and health-related quality of life.

Materials & Methods

A population-based study was performed on 211 adolescents (13-14 years old). Collected data included questionnaires, an APT with food and aeroallergens and s-IgE tests.

Results

Positive APT reactions were observed in 9.0% (19/211) of the adolescents. Timothy grass was the top allergen with 11 (5.2%) positive reactions, followed by cat dander (2.8%) and house dust mites (2.4%). Rhinoconjunctivitis increased the odds of any positive APT (crude odds ratio: 3.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–9.40), particularly when an APT was positive for aeroallergens (odds ratio: 5.02, 95% CI: 1.54-16.42). There was no association between a positive APT and AD. Four adolescents without AD and no IgE-sensitization had a positive APT.

Conclusion

Based on a population of adolescents, the APT is associated with rhinoconjunctivitis but not AD. This finding should be taken into consideration in further attempts to clarify the role of the APT in the clinical setting.