Prevalence of latex allergy in a population of patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele

Abstract

Introduction:Latex allergy is one of the main reasons of anaphylaxis in the operating room. The prevalence of this condition is higher among patients with myelomeningocele. Epidemiological data obtained from Argentine patients is scarce. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of latex sensitivity and latex allergy in a population of patients with myelomeningocele and to describe associated risk factors. Population and Methods: Descriptive, crosssectional, observational study. Family and personal history of allergy, number of surgeries, history of symptoms caused by having been in contact with latex or cross-reactive foods, eosinophil count, measurement of total immunoglobulin E and specific immunoglobulin E levels by means of skin and serologic testing for latex, aeroallergens and cross-reactive fruit. Results: Eighty-two patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele were assessed: 41 were males and their average age was 15.3 ± 7.66 years old. Out of all patients, two did not complete skin and serologic testing. Among the remaining 80 patients, 16 (19.51%) had latex allergy, 46 (57.5%) were not allergic, and 18 (22%) showed sensitivity but not allergy. Having undergone more than five surgeries was a risk factor associated with latex allergy (p= 0.035). No significant association was observed with the remaining outcome measures. Conclusion: According to this study, the prevalence of latex allergy in this population of patients is 19.51% and the most important risk factor for this condition is a history of having undergone more than five surgeries.

Alergia al látex: una revisión sobre los aspectos más importantes

“…El síndrome de látex-fruta (o "síndrome de alergia alimentaria al látex") se debe a la alta reactividad cruzada entre proteínas del látex y proteínas similares en frutas y verduras, los informes sobre la incidencia de este síndrome varían, y se ha reportado hasta en 50 % de las personas con NRLA que pueden tener alergias alimentarias. 2,8,17 La fruta más comúnmente implicada en este síndrome es el aguacate, pero la relevancia de la sensibilización de la fruta varía con la dieta y los antecedentes culturales del paciente. Otros alimentos asociados incluyen plátano, kiwi, castaña, tomate, papa y mango.…”

Latex allergy guidelines for people with spina bifida

“…While these are the more frequently cited examples, there are a least 25 other fruits that may have some level of cross-reactivity with latex. In these cases, allergy testing can help to clarify such triggers [17][18][19]21,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36].…”

“…Over time, if any new allergic symptoms present in the person with a known latex allergy, a referral to an allergy specialist should be made for consideration of further testing. Furthermore, for the adult with spina bifida with a known past history of latex allergy, dosages and prescriptions for self-injectable epinephrine should be reviewed and updated periodically [2,3,[15][16][17][18][19]21,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34]36,37].…”

Update on latex allergy: New insights into an old problem

“…Patients with history of more than 5 surgeries have a higher risk of presenting latex sensitization. 18 On the other hand, prevalence of latex allergy may be higher in patients with spina bifida and cloacal anomalies, children with other congenital anomalies, such as esophageal atresia, gastroschisis, omphalocele, and those with neurologic diseases, such as cerebral palsy. 19 …”

“…Multiple risk factors for developing NRLA have been described in medical personnel and patients, including a history of atopy 16 and exposure to latex-derived products during surgery, either through skin contact or by inhalation. 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 Table 1 lists the risk groups for latex sensitization and allergy.…”