Clinical and quality of life assessment in patients with latex allergy during COVID-19 pandemic: Possible protective role of continuous latex immunotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, the massive use of Personal Protective Equipment could provoke severe adverse reactions in latex allergy patients and could negatively affect their quality of life. Methods: Trough a survey the study aimed: (a) to evaluate the incidence of allergic reactions in patients with latex allergy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; (b) to evaluate the protective role of continuous latex sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) during this period; and (c) to evaluate quality of life of natural rubber latex allergy (NRLA) patients during the pandemic. Results: 67 patients (9 males and 58 females, mean age of 45.9 ± 11.4 years) suffering from latex allergy were included in the present study. We recorded among our patients 13 cases (34.2%) of urticarial/angioedema (U/A), 9 cases (23.6%) of respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, shortness of breath and wheezing) and 7 cases (18.4%) of anaphylaxis. In patients who underwent continuous SLIT, we observed less cases of U/A ( p < 0.001), respiratory symptoms ( p < 0.001), anaphylaxis ( p = 0.003), hospitalizations ( p = 0.014) and a lower therapy administration. We compared the results of SF-36 questionnaire in patients who underwent continuous and not-continuous SLIT with a significance differences score between these two groups. Conclusions: Our study is the first that investigated the clinical and quality of life effects of COVID-19 pandemic in NRLA patients.

Latex Allergy in Children

“…Moreover, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, the massive use of personal protective equipment provoked severe adverse reactions in latex allergy patients and negatively affected their quality of life [ 17 ].…”

Preparation of modified hydroxyapatite and its effect on natural latex film

“…It is widely used to manufacture latex gloves, condoms, and other thin‐walled products to prevent HIV and other pathogenic viruses 1,2 . Since COVID‐19, the demand for latex gloves has increased rapidly, but the frequent occurrence of allergic symptoms caused by natural latex products has limited its application in medical, healthcare, and other fields 3,4 . According to some latex‐allergy investigation reports, the prevalence of the condition among medical personnel in Europe is approximately 2.8%–16.9% 5,6 .…”

“…1,2 Since COVID-19, the demand for latex gloves has increased rapidly, but the frequent occurrence of allergic symptoms caused by natural latex products has limited its application in medical, healthcare, and other fields. 3,4 According to some latex-allergy investigation reports, the prevalence of the condition among medical personnel in Europe is approximately 2.8%-16.9%. 5,6 The condition can cause vascular edema, anaphylactic shock, or even death.…”