LATEX ALLERGY IN PATIENTS WITH MYELOMENINGOCELE PRESENTING FOR IMAGING STUDIES OF THE URINARY-TRACT

Objective. We prospectively surveyed patients with myelomeningocele wh o presented in our department over a 3-month period to determine the f requency of latex allergy in this population. Materials and methods. A questionnaire assessed history of allergy to latex and attitudes towa rd and use or avoidance of latex-containing products in both medical a nd non-medical environments. Results. Surveys were completed by 118 pa tients (56 boys, 62 girls: mean age 10.4 years, range 0.6-30.9 years). Seventy-two (61%) had heard of latex allergy and 25 (21%) reported be ing allergic to latex. Most allergic patients were performing intermit tent self-catheterization (92%) and tended to be slightly older (mean age 12.7 years) than those not reporting allergy (mean age 9.8 years). Although most reactions were limited to rashes and mucosal irritation , two patients experienced anaphylaxis with severe respiratory symptom s or hypotension or both. No reactions had occurred in the Department of Radiology. While 84% of patients with previous allergic reactions r eported trying to avoid further exposure to latex in the hospital, at home, or in school, only 14% of non-allergic patients look any special precautions. Conclusion. Allergy to latex is common in patients with myelomeningocele who are examined in our department. We have developed a policy designed to prevent exposure of such patients to latex durin g imaging studies.