Prävalenz von kontaktsensibilisierungen gegen allergene der "standardreihe" - Vergleich von KORA-studiendaten mit dem IVDK-register

Background: Data both on the prevalence of contact allergies in the population, and on the effect of selection processes until consultation in dermatological centres are scarce. Methods: Prevalences of contact sensitization to allergens of the patch test standard series found in the population related KORA study in Augsburg, Germany, were compared with prevalences found in the Department of Dermatology of the Augsburg municipal hospital, a partner of the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK), standardized for sex and "past or current atopic dermatitis". Results: The KORA study sample comprised 1,537 participants, selected as sub-sample from the MONICA III survey. The IVDK group included 553 patients of similar age patch tested in the Augsburg hospital between 1997 and 2000. Among the 25 substances considered here, the fragrance mix (KORA: 11.8%, IVDK: 14.3%) and nickel (KORA: 9.6%, IVDK: 10.5%) were the most common allergens. With other allergens, a much larger difference between prevalences was noted, namely with ingredients of topicals used for the treatment of varicose ulcers, e.g. lanolin alcohols (KORA: 1.1%, IVDK: 8.8%), cetostearyl alcohol (0.6 vs. 3.8%) and balsam of Peru (2.8 vs. 13.1%). Conclusions: While controlling for the effect of relevant local characteristics, e.g. certain industries or prescription habits by assessing the same region, the present comparison illustrates the effect of selection processes until presentation in - more or less specialized - institutions of dermatological care.