Prevalência de teste de contato positivo aos metais (cromo, cobalto eníquel) em uma população pediátrica e fatores de risco associados

Abstract

An uncontrolled cross-sectional study was performed in a medical centre in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, from February to September 2008, to determine prevalence of contact allergy to metals in a pediatric population and characterize the group with contact allergy as to risk factors. Children from 0 to 12 years who presented for routine pediatric appointment and agreed to participatewere included. All participantsunderwent dermatologic exam, patch test to chromium, cobalt and nickel and answered a specific questionnaire. Of the 162 tested children, 144 completed the study. Positive reactions were observed in 4.9% to chromium, 9.7% to cobalt and 20.1% to nickel. Ear piercing was the only risk factor associated to positive reaction to nickel (p value= 0.031 and OR= 2.8). Parents should be oriented about the correlation between earpiercing and allergy to nickel.