Contact allergy to metals in metalworkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#male #humans #dermatitis-allergic-contact #patch-tests #dermatitis-occupational

Contact allergy to metals in metalworkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Alinaghi et al., 2023 | Contact Dermatitis | Meta Analysis

Citation

Alinaghi Farzad, Havmose Martin, ... Johansen Jeanne D. Contact allergy to metals in metalworkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Contact Dermatitis. 2023-Jan;88(1):1-9. doi:10.1111/cod.14232

Abstract

Occupational hand eczema is frequent in metalworkers. The contribution of metal allergies is poorly elucidated even though such exposures are common at the workplace. To estimate the prevalence of metal allergy to cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in metalworkers and compare these to estimates from the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies (ESSCA). Two authors independently searched PubMed for studies reporting on the prevalence of metal allergy in metalworkers. Proportion meta-analyses were performed to calculate the pooled proportions of metal allergy in metalworkers. In total, 29 studies (22 from Europe) were included yielding 5691 subjects for quantitative analysis. The pooled proportion (95% confidence interval) of Co, Cr and Ni in European metalworkers with dermatitis referred to patch test clinics was 8.2% (5.3%-11.7%), 8.0% (5.1%-11.4%), and 11.0% (7.3%-15.4%), respectively. The corresponding estimates for unselected metalworkers from workplace studies were 4.9% (2.4%-8.1%), 5.2% (1.0%-12.6%), and 7.6% (3.8%-12.6%), respectively. In comparison, the prevalence of metal allergy in 13 382 consecutive European males with dermatitis was 3.9% (3.6%-4.2%), 4.4% (4.1%-4.8%) and 6.7% (6.3%-7.0%) for Co, Cr and Ni, respectively. Data on sex, age, body piercings and atopic dermatitis in metalworkers with metal allergy was mostly lacking. Metal allergy to all three metals was significantly more common in European metalworkers with dermatitis attending patch test clinics as compared to ESSCA data, indicating a relationship to occupational exposures, however, confounders could not be accounted for.

Key Findings

Metal allergy to all three metals was significantly more common in European metalworkers with dermatitis attending patch test clinics as compared to ESSCA data, indicating a relationship to occupational exposures, however, confounders could not be accounted for.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 5691
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Male
  • Humans
  • Dermatitis, Allergic Contact
  • Patch Tests
  • Dermatitis, Occupational
  • Metals
  • Nickel
  • Cobalt
  • Chromium
  • Prevalence

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: chromium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09