Clinical Trial: Nickel Desensitization Using Topical Therapy

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Unknown status
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Nickel Desensitization Using Topical Therapy

Brief Summary: Nickel contact dermatitis (eczema) is one of the most common allergic conditions affecting the skin. This is a study looking at potentially desensitizing nickel-allergic patients to their allergy using anti-inflammatory ointments applied to the skin (arm). Application of these ointments (ie. modified Vitamin D) has been shown to increase specific immune cells (T regulatory cells), which play a role in preventing immune activation and subsequently inflammation. The investigators propose use of topical anti-inflammatory agents (corticosteroids, modified Vitamin D, or both) may desensitize patients with nickel allergy.

Detailed Summary:

  1. Purpose: To evaluate whether topical anti-inflammatory ointments (calcipotriol, betamethasone dipropionate, or a combination of both) can decrease sensitivity to nickel in known nickel allergic patients. Optional blood samples will be part of the protocol to measure immune responses.
  2. Hypothesis: Use of these topical agents will prevent sensitization to nickel sulfate upon re-exposure.
  3. Justification: Currently, no cure can yet be offered to nickel sensitive patients. Standard treatment only involves avoiding nickel-containing products. However, this is not always easily achieved depending on patient awareness and environmental exposures. Topical desensitization has not yet been explored in patients with pre-established contact allergy. This research will be placebo-controlled with Vaseline petroleum jelly to compare reactions to nickel in those treated with anti-inflammatory ointments.
  4. Objectives: a) To evaluate the use of topical anti-inflammatory agents and its role in desensitizing known nickel allergic patients to nickel. b) To measure immune cell responses to nickel allergen from a blood sample taken before and after topical anti-inflammatory application.
  5. Research Method: Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, proof of principle study. Subjects meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria with known nickel sensitivity will be recruited into the study. Those who consent will undergo 3 sets of nickel patch testing: At week 1 to confirm nickel allergic status, week 3 to induce tolerance by patch testing at the site of topical ointment application, and finally at week 5 to test for desensitization. (Week 2 is self-application with topical ointment; Week 4 is a rest week).
  6. Statistical Analysis: a) Primary end-poin
    Sponsor: University of British Columbia

    Current Primary Outcome: Change in contact dermatitis response to nickel allergen at 5 weeks after topical desensitization [ Time Frame: All study subjects will be evaluated after each patch test session (weeks 1, 3, 5). The final outcome to assess for desensitization will be evaluated at week 5. ]

    Erythema, induration, blistering of the skin will be noted. The standardized Likert scale (0-3+) will be used as follows:

    1. + Weak (non-vesicular) reaction: erythema, infiltration, possibly papules
    2. ++ Strong (edematous or vesicular) reaction

    3. +++ Extreme (spreading, bullous or ulcerative) reaction

      • Negative reaction


    Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

    Current Secondary Outcome: Change in immune cell profile of patients 5 weeks after nickel desensitization [ Time Frame: All consenting subjects will have baseline blood drawn at week 0 and again at week 5 to compare any differences in immune cells (ie. T cells). ]

    Peripheral T cells will be separated and responses will be determined by flow cytometry after nickel desensitization therapy. Approximately 50 ml of blood will be drawn from consenting subjects. Absolute cell numbers and immunophenotypes of cells will be reported.


    Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

    Information By: University of British Columbia

    Dates:
    Date Received: April 13, 2011
    Date Started: August 2011
    Date Completion: June 2012
    Last Updated: August 8, 2011
    Last Verified: August 2011