Effects of latex avoidance on latex sensitization, atopy and allergic diseases in patients with spina bifida.
BACKGROUND
Ten years ago, avoidance measures such as the performance of latex-free operations were implemented in children with spina bifida. Since then, latex sensitization and latex allergy have decreased in this high-risk group.


OBJECTIVE
To study the effect of primary latex-free prophylaxis on the prevalence of allergic diseases and atopy as a marker for sensitization spreading in children with spina bifida.


METHODS
One hundred and twenty children with spina bifida born after the introduction of latex-free prophylaxis and operated on under latex-free conditions ('current group') were examined for latex sensitization, latex allergy, sensitization to aero- and food allergens and allergic diseases. Results were compared to a 'historic' (not latex-free operated) group of children with spina bifida and comparable age (n = 87) and to a recent sample of children from the general population (n = 12,403).


RESULTS
In comparison with the 'historic group', latex sensitization (55% vs 5%, P < 0.001) and latex allergy (37% vs 0.8%, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced in the 'current group'. Furthermore, a significant reduction could be demonstrated for sensitization to aeroallergens (41.4% vs 20.8%, P = 0.001) and for allergic diseases (35% vs 15%, P = 0.001). The prevalence for atopy, sensitization to aero-/foodallergens and for allergic diseases in children of the 'current group' was similar to those in children of the weighted population sample.


CONCLUSIONS
Latex avoidance in children with spina bifida prevents latex sensitization and latex allergy. Additionally, it also seems to prevent sensitization to other allergens and allergic diseases which might be explained by the prevention of sensitization spreading.
Blumchen
K
K
Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany. nina.bluemchen@charite.de
Bayer
P
P
Buck
D
D
Michael
T
T
Cremer
R
R
Fricke
C
C
Henne
T
T
Peters
H
H
Hofmann
U
U
Keil
T
T
Schlaud
M
M
Wahn
U
U
Niggemann
B
B
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000517:prevention & control; D007223:Infant; D007840:Latex / Q000009:adverse effects*; D020315:Latex Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008297:Male; D019635:Neurosurgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016135:Spinal Dysraphism / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*
D007840:Latex