title: [Allergic sensitization and latex-associated symptoms in a group of health workers].
abstract: The presence of symptoms connected with the use of latex rubber gloves and sensitization to this allergen was studied in a group of 660 hospital workers who regularly used gloves as a means of protection. Symptoms connected with the use of gloves were reported by 153 subjects (23.2%) and were significantly associated with female subjects length of use and type of medical care. The majority of cases reported irritative symptoms (13.2%) whereas contact dermatitis and rash were reported by 3.6% and 5.5% of cases respectively. Systemic reactions (asthma and/or rhinitis) were reported by 5 subjects. Prick tests for latex were positive in 23 cases (3.5%), 15 of which were symptomatic. Positive skin reaction to latex was significantly associated with family atopy, personal case history and prick test. It is concluded that the presence of symptoms and sensitization to latex requires the implementation of preventive measures in order to reduce the risk of sensitization to a minimum, in addition to removal from exposure of those subjects who are already symptomatic or at risk.
authors.affiliation: Istituto di Medicinea del Lavoro, Università di Trieste.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fiorito
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Larese
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Molinari
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Negro
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barbina
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peresson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009783:Dermatitis, Occupational / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012882:Skin Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D012408:Rubber
vernacular_title: Sensibilizzazione allergica e sintomi associati al lattice in un gruppo di lavoratori della sanità.