Sensitivity and allergy to latex in atopic and non‐atopic children

Abstract

To study the sensitivity and allergy to latex in children, we investigated sera of 306 atopic and 303 non-atopic children (median age 4.5 years) for specific IgE to latex. In patients with specific IgE to latex, a questionnaire was sent to families and provocation tests were carried out. 60/306 atopic children (20.8%) and 1/303 non-atopic children (0.3%) showed specific IgE to latex in serum. The proportion of atopic, latex-sensitized and provocation positive children was 12/48 (25%). Specific IgE to latex was significantly higher (p < 0.03) in symptomatic compared to non-symptomatic patients. Specificity of a positive history was 92%, sensitivity 50%. Atopic dermatitis tended to be more prevalent among the 12 provocation positive atopic children (75%) compared to 36 provocation negative children (58%). There was a tendency that children of the symptomatic group underwent surgical interventions more frequently compared to non-symptomatic children. In conclusion, latex sensitization and latex allergy seem to have occurred more often in atopic children than previously known. Risk factors for the development of a sensitization to latex are atopy and the clinical diagnosis of atopic dermatitis; risk factors for a clinically manifest allergy to latex are an elevated specific IgE to latex, a positive history upon contact to material containing latex and probably frequent operations. Provocation tests should be performed to plan avoidance measures in latex-allergic children especially before surgical interventions.

Comparison of Questionnaire-Based and Serological Screening for Natural Latex Allergy in Children with Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction

“…In our study 8 out of 14 children with a history of atopic disposition had elevated latex-specific IgE values as compared with 2 out of 17 children without such a history. A similar correlation was reported by Liebke et al [14] who found elevated latex-specific IgE values in 60 out of 306 atopic children as compared with 1 child out of 303 nonatopic children. Nieto et al [15] demonstrated atopic patient history to be an independent factor for latex allergy, using a multivariate analysis of 100 consecutive children with myelomeningoceles.…”

The Impact of Environmental and Agricultural Pollutants on the Prevalence of Allergic Diseases in People from Qassim , KSA

“…The prevalence of latex sensitization and/or allergy apparently varies widely, depending on the population examined. In atopic children, Liebke et al (26) reported that 20.8% (60 of 306) had increased latex-specific IgE antibodies, whereas Cremer et al (27) found a prevalence rate of 13.6% (six of 44) for atopic children. The identification and characterization of allergens and their structures and biological functions will be benefit for the diagnosis and treatment of pollen related allergic diseases.…”

Risk factors for latex sensitization in children with spina bifida

“…Rubber industry workers also have high sensitization prevalence (21). Atopy also seems to be another risk factor of latex sensitization, mainly if associated with frequent contact to latex products (22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27).…”