Risk factors for latex sensitization in children with spina bifida.
BACKGROUND
Children with spina bifida represent the major risk group for latex sensitization.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of latex sensitization in these children and to identify risk factors.


METHODS
We studied 57 patients with spina bifida. The mean age was 5.6 years and the male/female ratio was 0.8/1. In all patients a questionnaire, skin prick test (SPT) with latex (UCB-Stallergènes, Lofarma and ALK-Abelló), common aeroallergens and fruits (UCB-Stallergènes) and serum determination of total IgE (AlaSTAT) were performed.


RESULTS
The prevalence of latex sensitization was 30 %; only two sensitized children (12 %) had symptoms after exposure. Risk factors for latex sensitization were age >/= 5 years (p = 0.008; OR = 6.0; 95 % CI = 1.7-22.1), having at least four previous surgical interventions (p < 0.0001; OR = 18.5; 95 % CI = 3.6-94.8), having undergone surgery in the first 3 months of life (p = 0.008; OR = 5.4; 95 % CI = 0.7-29.2) and total serum IgE >/= 44 IU/ml (p = 0.03; OR = 3.8; 95 %CI = 1.1-13.1). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only a history of four or more surgical interventions (p < 0.0001; OR = 26.3; 95 %CI = 2.9-234.2) and total serum IgE >/= 44 IU/ml (p = 0.02; OR = 8.6; 95 % CI = 1.4-53.4) were independently associated with latex sensitization. Sex, family and personal allergic history, hydrocephalus with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, cystourethrograms, intermittent bladder catheterization and atopy were not related to latex sensitization.


CONCLUSIONS
In children with spina bifida, significant and independent risk factors identified for latex sensitization were multiple interventions and higher levels of total serum IgE. A prospective study will clarify the clinical evolution of assymptomatic children sensitized to latex.
Pires
G
G
Immunoallergy Department, Dona Estefania Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
Morais-Almeida
M
M
Gaspar
A
A
Godinho
N
N
Calado
E
E
Abreu-Nogueira
J
J
Rosado-Pinto
J
J
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012882:Skin Tests; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000150:complications*; D014546:Urinary Catheterization
D007073:Immunoglobulin E