ESSCA: European surveillance system on Contact Allergies

 The mission of the ESSCA databank is to facilitate epidemiological surveillance of contact allergies. Cohort
The mission of the ESSCA databank is to facilitate epidemiological surveillance of contact allergies.
The ESSCA database consists of systematically collected clinical and patch test data from consecutively tested patients.

ESSCA is already well-established, was founded in 1996, and has been collecting data on contact allergies all across Europe since 2002. To date, the databank includes around 250,000 patients, collecting data from over 40 different European Health Institutes, spread over 16 countries.

ESSCA aims to:

  • Generate data-driven insights into the prevalence and trends of contact allergies and relevant allergens. 
  • Advance scientific knowledge that leads to the prevention, improved diagnosis, and treatment of contact allergies. 
  • Provide a platform for collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers.
     

    • Eligible participants are patients with an suspected contact allergy and an appointment for patch testing at the UMCG
    • We aim to include 12.500 participants across all collaborating centers per year

  • ESSCA collects a wide range of clinical data and biomaterials. Detailed information on available data and samples can be found in the UMCG Research Data Catalogue.

    • Standard care data, including:
      • Sex, age, occupation
      • Medical history
      • Patch testing results (allergic reactions per allergen, tested allergen series, location of allergy on the body

  • Follow ESSCA on LinkedIn for the latest news and publications.

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How our research benefits to society

ESCCA can contribute to product safety evaluation and post-marketing surveillance of cosmetic, occupational, and consumer products. By combining data from multiple centres, ESSCA enables international comparisons, time-trend analyses, and the identification of emerging allergens or new exposure contexts. These analyses provide valuable scientific evidence on allergen exposure and sensitization in the population and support efforts aimed at reducing the incidence of contact allergies.  

Contact

Marie-Louise Schuttelaar
Marie-Louise Schuttelaar Dermatologist

University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
ESSCA: European surveillance system on Contact Allergies
PO Box 30.001 
9700 RB Groningen
The Netherlands

Visiting address
University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG)
Antonius Deusinglaan 1
9713 AV Groningen
More information visit our website.