[Prevalence of IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex in operation room personnel of Rotterdam].
OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of IgE-mediated latex allergy in workers in an operation room (OR) complex.


METHODS
Descriptive.


METHODS
Regular OR staff members of Rotterdam University Hospital were tested in May-July 1998 for latex allergy and cross-reacting allergens. Questionnaires, serologic testing and skin prick tests with different extracts were used.


RESULTS
The study group comprised 163 persons (response: 70%), 30 men and 133 women, with a mean age of 38 years (range: 18-60). Twenty-three persons (14.1%) had specific IgE antibodies against latex. Persons with an atopic constitution ran an increased risk of latex sensitization (odds ratio: 4.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-11.4). Of these 23 persons, 16 showed symptoms of urticaria, angio-oedema, rhinoconjunctivitis and/or dyspnoea.


CONCLUSIONS
IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex was prevalent in 23/163 (14.1%) of the OR personnel.
Bijl
A M
AM
Afd. Allergologie, Academisch Ziekenhuis Rotterdam-Dijkzigt.
de Jong
N W
NW
Mulder
P G
PG
Gerth van Wijk
R
R
de Groot
H
H
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D015994:Incidence; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D016017:Odds Ratio; D009873:Operating Rooms; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D000078329:Workforce
D007073:Immunoglobulin E