Influence of the type of operations on the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele.
BACKGROUND
A genetic tendency to develop latex IgE responses in children with spina bifida has been suggested, but their degree of exposure to latex as well as the route and chronology for sensitization can be different from those of other children with multiple surgeries. The aim was to study the influence of the type of operation on the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele.


METHODS
In 90 children with myelomeningocele operated with latex, data were collected about age, sex, family, and personal history of allergy, serum total IgE, presence of a ventricular-peritoneal (v-p) shunt, and number and duration of operations, classified as urological, orthopedic, on the v-p shunt, other neurosurgical, and others. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed, using the presence of latex sensitization as dependent variable.


RESULTS
Serum total IgE, the number of urological and of orthopedic operations were synergistic variables to predict latex sensitization, together with the presence of a v-p shunt, but not the number of operations performed on this device. This seems to play an adjuvant role in the process of sensitization.


CONCLUSIONS
Not only the number, but also the type of operations, namely, of urological and orthopedic nature, is important in the development of latex sensitization in children with myelomeningocele.
Mazon
Angel
A
Section of Pediatric Allergy, Children's Hospital La Fe, 46009 Valencia, Spain.
Nieto
Antonio
A
Pamies
Rafael
R
Felix
Ruben
R
Linana
Juan Jose
JJ
Lanuza
Amparo
A
Caballero
Luis
L
Estornell
Francisco
F
Garcia-Ibarra
Fernando
F
Alvarez-Garijo
Jose A
JA
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000601:surgery*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013520:Urologic Surgical Procedures; D017287:Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
D007073:Immunoglobulin E