Reproducibility of the Finn Chamber^® Nickel Patch Test in Two Different Phases of the Ovulatory Menstrual Cycle

Abstract

Background: Studies on nickel patch test reactivity and reproducibility of positive tests at different points of the menstrual cycle are heterogeneous. Objective: To investigate if non-reproducibilities of positive nickel sulphate patch tests in the two different phases of ovulatory menstrual cycles with the endocrine evidence of luteal phase adequacy are statistically different. Methods: 15 women (group 1) with positive Finn chamber^® nickel patch test results in the follicular phase of the ovulatory cycle and 13 women (group 2) with positive Finn chamber nickel patch test results in the luteal phase of the ovulatory cycle were tested again in the counter-phases of their ovulatory cycle, with a scheduled interval of 6 weeks following the first tests. Reproducibilities of the tests in the two groups were evaluated statistically. Results: 3 of the positive test results in group 1 (20%) and 2 of the positive test results in group 2 (15.4%) were non-reproducible. The difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The reproducibility of positive Finn chamber nickel patch tests does not seem to be affected by the changes in the follicular and luteal phases of the ovulatory cycle.

The possible relevance of sex hormones on irritant and allergic responses: their importance for skin testing

“…Therefore, this effect can be observed even after a reasonable amount of time for recovery. Similarly, Friedmann et al also produced a lowered sensitization threshold to allergens administered by patch test on repeat exposure (55). However, the lack of a booster effect is evident in other studies (3,8,42).…”

Comparison of nickel patch test reactivity in phases of the menstrual cycle

“…After 6 weeks following the first test, testing was performed on the counter phases of the ovulatory cycle. They came to the conclusion that the nickel patch test results were not influenced by the phases of the ovulatory cycle in their study of 23 patients 5 …”

“…They came to the conclusion that the nickel patch test results were not influenced by the phases of the ovulatory cycle in their study of 23 patients. 5 In their study of 29 women whom they challenged with sodium laurate sulfate as an irritant patch test at day 1 and at days 9 through 11 of the menstrual cycle, Agner and colleagues have shown that there were differences in the reactivity of female skin with phases of the cycle, finding the strongest reaction to the patch test against sodium lauryl sulfate during days 9-11, which corresponds to the period when the highest estrogen levels are observed. 3 Alexander has pointed out to the differences of patch testing throughout the menstrual period.…”

“…2 Severity of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, infections due to herpes virus, urticaria and acne were also reported to increase in the premenstrual phase. [3][4][5][6][7][8] Effect of estradiol on the cellular immune system was investigated and was found to depress the cellular immune response. 3,9 Estrogens are endogenous hormones involved in ovulation, implantation, development of secondary characteristics of sex, maintenance of pregnancy, development of the genital system and protein and carbohydrate metabolism.…”

“…Indeed, exacerbations of asthma were reported to be observed in the premenstrual phase in one‐third of affected women 2 . Severity of skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis, lupus erythematosus, infections due to herpes virus, urticaria and acne were also reported to increase in the premenstrual phase 3–8 …”