Nickel concentrations in serum and urine of patients with nickel eczema

This study is a part of the Biological Risk Assessment of Human Metal Sensi tisation (BRAHMS) project with the aim of elucidating clinical and physiolo gical effects of repeated exposures to low concentrations of metal allergen s. Nickel allergic individuals (n = 35) with hand eczema and healthy contro ls (n = 30) were included in the study. Both groups had similar levels of n ickel in urine, while the level of nickel in serum was significantly lower in nickel allergic individuals compared to controls. Nickel allergic indivi duals had a significantly lower intake of nickel-rich food items (chocolate , nuts, beans, porridge oats). Serum nickel levels correlated with intake o f these foods, suggesting that the difference in serum nickel levels was ca used by differences in dietary nickel intake. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ire land Ltd. All rights reserved.