title: Managing latex allergy in the cardiac surgical patient.
abstract: Latex allergy affects about 1% of the general population and between 10% and 17% of health care workers. The severity of a latex allergic reaction can range from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis and death. Critical care personnel must be able to identify cardiac surgical patients at risk for a latex allergy and supply alternative equipment, and medication. In addition, knowledge and provision of emergency treatment of a Type I latex reaction is paramount. Critical care staff need to educate both the patient and the family about latex allergy, including latex allergy testing and community resources.
authors.affiliation: Mercy Hospital ScrippsHealth, San Diego, USA.
authors.forename: M M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Hess
mesh_terms: D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods