Allergy and desensitization to latex. Clinical study on 50 dentistry subjects.
OBJECTIVE
Nowadays latex allergy represents a relevant social and occupational problem because this substance constitutes the first material to realise many dental and non dental products; then, there is a cross-reactivity between latex allergens and proteins present in many vegetal foods. The aim of our research was to find latex allergy cases experimenting a percutaneous desensitization protocol.


METHODS
Among 50 examined subjects, those patients resulting positive to thiuram-mix by patch test have been submitted to desensitization after removal of all latex products and substances giving cross-allergy (kiwi, celery, chestnuts, tomato, banana etc.). Desensitization has been carried out by using latex glove from 10 s progressively to 1 h after 1-year treatment.


RESULTS
In 7 patients out of 11 (63.6%) regression of symptoms has been verified; 2 patients (18.2%) have declined treatment and 2 patients (18.2%) have showed no regression.


CONCLUSIONS
Apart immunotherapy and DNA-vaccines, nowadays percutaneous desensitization is the most efficacious, safe and easy treatment for latex allergic patients; it has no collateral effects during its execution and no symptoms coming back to work, but it needs further verifications.
Vozza
I
I
Unit of Dental Prosthesis, Department of Dentistry La Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Ranghi
G
G
Quaranta
A
A
D000328:Adult; D003888:Desensitization, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male