Prevalence of latex sensitivity in patients with malignancies.
An increased frequency of allergic reactions to latex have been reported in specific populations with chronic latex exposure (e. g., children with spina bifida, health-care workers, rubber and doll-manufacturing workers). However, latex sensitization occurs in adult patients with no known risk factors. This study investigated hypersensitivity to latex in patients with malignancies.


METHODS
We studied 70 adult patients (40 females, 30 males) with a standard questionnaire, skin prick tests (SPTs) with latex, common aeroallergens and fruits to all of the subjects. In addition, specific IgE concentrations for all of these allergens were measured in serum with the Pharmacia UniCAP system.


RESULTS
The prevalence of latex sensitization was found to be 11.4% (n = 8). Both SPTs and anti-latex IgE antibodies of these patients were positive in the sera. Latex sensitization was related to the personal history of allergic diseases (p = 0.02), the duration of disease (p = 0.01), and the number of invasive procedures (p = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that latex hypersensitivity is present in patients with malignancies. From our results latex sensitization must be kept in mind while dealing with this susceptible patient group.
Bostanci
I
I
Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University, Medical School, Ankara, Turkey. ebb@e-kolay.net
Türktaş
I
I
Erol
I
I
Kiroglu
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012882:Skin Tests
D007073:Immunoglobulin E