Reactivity of the contact tests (patch test) in elderly patients compared to non-elderly at the allergy clinic of the Policlínica Geral do Rio de Janeiro

Results Two hundred and thirty six patients were submitted to contact test. Seventy five (31.8%) elderly (> 60 years) and 161 (68.2%) non-elderly (10-59 years). Among elderly, 46 (62.7%) had positive tests, and 29 (37.3%) negative tests. In non-elderly , 112 (69.6%) had positive and 49 (30.4%) negative tests. Despite the difference in positivity between elderly and non-elderly patients, the result was not statistically significant by Chi-square test (p = 0.366). The most frequent sensitizers in the elderly group were fragance-mix (31,9%), Euxyl K – 400 (23,4%), cobalt chloride (23,4%), imidazole derivates (21,3%) and nickel sulfate (21,3%); in the non-elderly group the most frequent contact allergens were nickel sulfate (42,9%), cobalto chloride (42,9%), fragance-mix (26,8%) and imidazole derivate (16,1%). In elderly group, four pacients were over 80 years old, including two positive tests.