title: Comparison of three immunoassays for diagnosing sensitization to latex in children with spina bifida.
abstract: As natural rubber latex (latex) has become more widespread in our environment, physicians have become increasingly aware of the problem of possible allergic reactions. Many fatal and near-fatal incidents have been reported (mainly during surgery) (1-3) and data has been published on groups frequently exposed to latex, such as patients with spina bifida (4-9), healthcare professionals (10-12) and occupationally exposed persons (13). The incidence of latex allergy in children seems to be increasing (14). Tests are therefore needed which can reliably detect sensitization to latex. Our aim was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of three commercial immunoassays for measuring specific IgE in serum to latex.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, University Children's Hospital, Virchow-Clinic, Berlin, Germany.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Niggemann
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: von Moers
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Seidel
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wahl
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jacobsen
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Scheffer
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Wahn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis*; D007118:Immunoassay; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood*; D007223:Infant; D007840:Latex / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D007840:Latex; D007073:Immunoglobulin E