LATEX ANAPHYLAXIS IN A MYASTHENIC CHILD UNDERGOING THYMECTOMY

Anaphylactic shock occurred in a 9-year-old myasthenic boy after induc tion of anesthesia for thymectomy. Resuscitation was successful. Subse quent skin testing identified latex as the cause. Although the patient was not in a high-risk group for latex allergy, detailed questioning confirmed that sensitivity had developed during repeated exposures in previous anesthesia and dental care. Six months later, after taking st eroids and antihistaminic drugs prophylactically and avoiding all late x-containing products, the boy underwent uncomplicated thymectomy. The possibility of latex allergy should be borne in mind when dealing wit h patients previously exposed to repeated medical care. Adequate, late x-free equipment should be available in operating rooms to deal with p atients who are allergic to latex.