[Latex allergy in hospital workers--follow-up of symptomatic subjects].
Latex allergy may be manifested in a variety of clinical disturbances such as contact urticaria, angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylactic reactions. The aim of this follow-up study was to determine whether a change in glove use from powdered to powder-free latex gloves at previously surveyed hospital workers reduced the work-related symptoms. 53 hospital workers with work-related symptoms where followed up 4,6 years after first investigation. On re-examination, 54.7% use both powdered and powder-free gloves, 37.7% used only latex free gloves and 7.6% stopped the glove use. At follow-up, in 68% of subjects there was the remission or the improvement of work-related symptoms. The improvement of symptoms was greater in workers using powder-free gloves than in others (p < 0.005). In conclusion our study shows that preventive measures, such as the use a powder-free latex gloves, are sufficient to induce a reduction of work-related symptoms.
Bussetti
A
A
Medicina del Lavoro, Malattie Respiratorie e Tossicologia Professionale e Ambientale, Università degli Studi di Perugia
Folletti
I
I
Armadori
M
M
Giovannelli
G
G
Paolocci
G
G
Siracusa
A
A
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010564:Personnel, Hospital; D013627:Talc
D013627:Talc