title: [Latex allergy -- when uncertainty remains the only certainty].
abstract: Latex devices release allergenic proteins which are responsible for immune IgE mediated reactions. Casual surgical gloves are most often responsible for contact urticaria. Other allergic manifestations include conjunctivitis, rhinitis, asthmatiform dyspnoea and diverse gastro-intestinal troubles. Cardiovascular collapse and anaphylactic shock are possible. Physicians and the paramedical staff are particularly affected by the allergy to latex proteins. Multi-operated patients and those under prolonged health care using latex-made medical probes also present a high-risk group for this type of allergy.
authors.affiliation: Service de Dermatopathologie, Université de Liège.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Goffin
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kharfi
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Piérard-Franchimont
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Piérard
mesh_terms: D000707:Anaphylaxis; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D003231:Conjunctivitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D017449:Dermatitis, Allergic Contact / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D012307:Risk Factors