The incidence of latex allergy in children and adolescents with spinal
cord injuries was investigated using history and laboratory testing.
Among 67 individuals with spinal cord injuries, four had histories of
latex allergy, and two of these also had positive laboratory tests. Th
ere were eight individuals without a history of latex allergy who had
positive laboratory tests. Defining latex allergy as a positive histor
y or a positive laboratory test, 12 of the 67 subjects (18%) would be
considered allergic to latex. The incidence of latex allergy increased
with time since the spinal cord injury. Recommendations are made for
the diagnosis, management, and prevention of latex allergy in individu
als with spinal cord injuries.