[Latex allergy in children with myelomeningocele. Incidence and associated factors].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of our work is to know the prevalence of allergies to latex in patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) and to evaluate any potential factors influencing its development.


METHODS
The study included 100 children with mean age 7.5 +/- 4.8 years, diagnosed with MMC by skin tests and total and latex-specific IgE determination. The results were compared to those obtained in three "control" groups: atopic patients, patients undergoing their first operation and multi-operated patients. The relationship between the different variables analyzed was assessed using univariant and multivariant statistical studies.


RESULTS
29 were sensitized (15 symptomatic and 14 asymptomatic) and 8 doubtful. Results showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) differences for atopic and first operation groups and non significant differences for the multi-operation group. The multivariant study selected the followed as the most relevant variables: number of surgical interventions, total IgE levels in z units, ventricle-peritoneal by-pass carriers and atopy background. Also in the multivariant study, the following showed statistically significant results: age, Cums' number, inclusion in intermittent catheterism program and total IgE levels. Neither sex or familial background of atopy showed statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
Allergy to latex in MMC patients is related to multiple antigen contacts, the numerous manipulations and operations undertaken throughout the patient's life plus a personal propensity to allergies. It is essential that this group should adopt certain standards to minimize contact with the antigen and undergo an allergological study so as to detect those who are sensitized, which in nearly half our series has not yet exhibited symptomatology in contact with latex utensils. All diagnostic and therapeutical procedures should be conducted in latex-free environments.
Estornell Moragues
F
F
Sección de Urología, Hospital Infantil La Fe, Valencia.
Nieto García
A
A
Mazón Ramos
A
A
Reig Ruiz
C
C
Martínez Verduch
M
M
Domínguez Hinarejos
C
C
García-Ibarra
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015995:Prevalence; D012408:Rubber / Q000009:adverse effects*
D012408:Rubber