Anaphylaxis due to cornstarch surgical glove powder.
Two nurses suffered anaphylaxis to cornstarch glove powder. Both exhibited (1) positive prick skin tests to cornstarch powder in water, with resultant anaphylaxis in one and (2) negative prick skin tests and RAST to corn. Analysis of the powder revealed only glucose and inorganic salts. We were unable to detect in vitro histamine release or cornstarch powder specific IgE. Because of the positive skin tests and the resultant anaphylaxis, we suspect that cornstarch is the responsible allergen.
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia.
J S
JS
Seggev
T P
TP
Mawhinney
J W
JW
Yunginger
S R
SR
Braun
D000328:Adult; D000707:Anaphylaxis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D012882:Skin Tests; D013213:Starch / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003313:Zea mays / Q000009:adverse effects*
D013213:Starch