Prevalence of latex allergy in spina bifida: genetic and environmental risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the prevalence of latex allergy in a population of children with spina bifida (SB) and to assess the role of early exposure to latex products and others risk factors.


BACKGROUND
SB is related with an higher incidence of latex allergic reactions. These patients received repeated surgical procedures, implant of latex-containing materials and catheterization.


METHODS
Eighty consecutive subjects affected with SB besides answering a questionnaire, underwent a skin-prick test (SPT) to latex and the determination of the specific serum IgE (RAST CAP) to latex. 40% (32/80) of the patients showed a latex sensitization with specific IgE > 0.7 kU/I but only twelve of the 32 sensitized patients (40%) suffered from clinical reactions to latex (urticaria, conjunctivitis, angioedema, rhinitis, bronchial asthma). Number of surgical procedures, but particularly early exposure to latex and familiarity for allergy are correlated with latex allergy (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Latex allergy in SB children is multifactorial situation related with a disease-associated propensity for latex sensitization, early exposure and number of surgical procedures. Prophylactic measures to avoid the exposure, not only in the sanitary environment, through the institution of latex-safe routes and every day, prevent potentially serious allergic reactions.
Ausili
E
E
Department of Paediatrics, Spina Bifida Centre, UCSC, Rome, Italy.
Tabacco
F
F
Focarelli
B
B
Nucera
E
E
Patriarca
G
G
Rendeli
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D007223:Infant; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000276:immunology; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011864:Radioimmunosorbent Test; D012307:Risk Factors; D012384:Rome; D012882:Skin Tests; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery
D007840:Latex; D007073:Immunoglobulin E