Natural rubber latex allergy among health care workers: a systematic review of the evidence.
BACKGROUND
Natural rubber latex is a recognized allergen, but a recent meta-analysis failed to find any association between latex exposure and allergy in health care workers (HCWs).


OBJECTIVE
A meta-analysis was carried out under the auspices of the French National Regulatory Authority to assess the allergic risk induced by latex gloves in HCWs.


METHODS
The risk of work-related exposure to latex for the development of latex allergy was assessed. Prevalence and incidence rates of latex sensitization or allergy were compared in HCWs and in the general population. Exposure-response relationships were assessed in HCWs.


RESULTS
Latex allergy was found in 4.32% (range, 4.01% to 4.63%) of HCWs and in 1.37% (range, 0.43% to 2.31%) of the general population. Latex-positive skin prick test responses ranged from 2.1% to 3.7% in the general population and from 6.9% to 7.8% for the HCWs. HCWs exposed to latex showed an increased risk of hand dermatitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.46; 95% CI, 2.11-2.86), asthma or wheezing (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15-2.08), rhinoconjunctivitis (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.97-3.81), and at least one generic symptom (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.09-1.47). Sensitization to latex was significantly associated with asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. By contrast, exposure to latex was not associated with a significantly increased risk of positive skin prick test responses to latex (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.94-2.30).


CONCLUSIONS
HCWs have an increased risk of sensitization and allergic symptoms to latex.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevention of latex allergy in HCWs is needed.
Bousquet
Jean
J
Service des Maladies Respiratoires, INSERM U454, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, University Hospital, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France. jean.bousquet@wanadoo.fr
Flahault
Antoine
A
Vandenplas
Olivier
O
Ameille
Jacques
J
Duron
Jean-Jacques
JJ
Pecquet
Corine
C
Chevrie
Karine
K
Annesi-Maesano
Isabella
I
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies