LATEX ALLERGY IN CHILDHOOD - A STUDY OF 1 6 CASES

Background. - Latex allergy is now well-known in adults and children. It represents the first cause of anaphylactic operating shock in pedia trics. Population. - A diagnosis of latex allergy was made in 16 child ren (five girls and II boys), aged 2 to 15 years, because of evoking s igns and symptoms, from simple urticaria to Quincke edema in presence of latex The revealing factor was wheezing in balloons in 13 out of th e 16 patients An atopic part history was frequent. Previous eventually sensitizing surgical operations were present in five patients; associ ated food allergy existed in four. Skin tests were positive in nine ou t of 12 patients, as well as latex specific IgE (13 out of 16). The di agnosis war made with a labial provocation test in one patient. Conclu sion. - Latex allergy can be severe and requires that patients avoid a ny contact with rubber objects, especially gloves. A detailed medical certificate should be given to the family in view of any medical, surg ical or dental intervention.