European Photopatch Test Study - a consensus methodology (POST Study)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A Prospective, Multi-Centre Photopatch Test Study of Patients Suspected of Photoallergy to Organic Sunscreens and Topical Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs or Related Agents Used Within Europe (The POST Study)
IRAS ID
177113
Contact name
Sally Ibbotson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Dundee
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 6 days
Research summary
In 2002 a panel representing Contact Dermatology/Photobiology and Photophysics met (on behalf of the European Society of Contact Dermatitis (ESCD) and the European Society of Photodermatology (ESPD)) to discuss the method of photopatch testing, a list of recommended agents and interpretation of guidelines for photopatch testing. They concluded that the differences in photopatch testing methodology which exists within Europe, not only sends out a confusing message to potential users of this technique, but also makes it quite difficult to compare published data between studies. Since then a further multicentre photopatch test study has been completed (2011) and the taskforce recommended a list of photoallergens that should form part of the baseline series for photopatch testing in Europe.
Our group met to discuss how best to produce a consensus statement on methodology as this has not yet formally been addressed. The time at which the patch tests are removed and subsequently irradiated with UVA, varies across Europe and it is important to know whether this impacts on photopatch test outcomes. We aim to recruit 252 patients from 13 centres across Europe who are attending for the investigation of photopatch testing. The aims will be to determine the pattern and prevalence of photoallergens, whether using a 24 h or 48 h allergen application time influences photopatch test outcomes and whether a delayed 7 day reading adds value to interpretation of photopatch test results. The study will have a lead Dermatologist with an interest in Contact dermatitis or Photobiology at each centre. The methodology used will be the same in all centres.REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 1
REC reference
17/ES/0074
Date of REC Opinion
22 Jun 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion