Unexpectedly high incidence of persistent itching nodules and delayed hypersensitivity to aluminium in children after the use of adsorbed vaccines from a single manufacturer

• During trials of aluminium adsorbed diphtheria-tetanus/acellular pertussis vaccines from a single producer, persistent itching nodules at the vaccination site were observed in an unexpectedly high frequency. The afflicted children were followed in a longitudinal observational study, and the presence of aluminium sensitization was investigated in the children with itching nodules and their symptomless siblings by patch tests. Itching nodules were found in 645 children out of about 76,000 vaccinees (0.8%) after both subcutaneous (s.c.) and intramuscular (i.m.) injection. The itching was intense and long-lasting. So far, 75% still have symptoms after a median duration of 4 years. Contact hypersensitivity to aluminium was demonstrated in 77% of the children with itching nodules and in 8% of the symptomless siblings who had received the same vaccines (P<0.001). Children with persistent itching nodules and/or aluminium sensitization should be warned about aluminium containing products (e.g. vaccines and antiperspirants). The reason for the high incidence of itching nodules after SSI vaccines is unknown and should be further investigated.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Other Medical and Health Sciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Absorption

Age Factors

Aluminum/administration & dosage/*analysis/*immunology

Child

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis Vaccine/administration & dosage/*adverse

effects/*analysis

Ethnic Groups

Humans

Hypersensitivity

Delayed/epidemiology/*immunology/pathology

Injections

Intramuscular

Injections

Subcutaneous

Mass Vaccination

Prognosis

Pruritus/epidemiology/*immunology/pathology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)