Hypersensitivity to natural latex.
Rubber hypersensitivity is well described but usually as a contact dermatitis caused by chemicals added during the process of making natural latex or synthetic rubber. IgE-mediated reactions, mainly contact urticaria, have rarely been reported in Europe. We report a case of immediate hypersensitivity to latex. A 34-year-old female operating room nurse developed hand eczema to natural latex. On two occasions, while she was gloving for surgery, she had the following reactions: flushing, tachycardia, urticaria, angioedema, wheezing, and light-headedness. Prick and patch testing to thiuram mix, mercaptobenzothiazole, phenylenediamine mix, and carbamate mix (common rubber additives) were negative. Prick tests to natural latex elicited a 4+ reaction associated with immediate flushing, tachycardia, urticaria, and light-headedness. Five control subjects did not react. IgE antibodies to latex by RAST demonstrated 17.7% binding (control, 4%). This case demonstrates that natural latex can cause IgE-mediated symptoms. The route of exposure was cutaneous absorption of relevant latex allergens. As the use of latex rubber products continues to escalate, more cases are likely to occur.
Spaner
D
D
Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Dolovich
J
J
Tarlo
S
S
Sussman
G
G
Buttoo
K
K
D000328:Adult; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000209:etiology*; D004485:Eczema / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000209:etiology*; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*
D007840:Latex