ETHYLENE-OXIDE ALLERGY IN CHILDREN WITH SPINA-BIFIDA

Background: Allergic reactions to ethylene oxide (EtO)-treated product s have occurred in several children with myelomeningoceles. Objective: The object of this study was to define the prevalence and significanc e of EtO-specific IgE among the children in our myelomeningocele clini c. Methods: The study population comprised three groups: children with myelomeningoceles, chronically ill controls (defined as children who had undergone at least three major operations), and well-child control s. Serum specimens were collected from each child and a commercially a vailable ELISA designed to identify, IgE directed against both EtO and latex was performed on the specimens. Results: Seventeen of 75 (23%) children with myelomeningoceles had antibodies directed against EtO, a s did 1 of 26 (4%) chronically ill controls. None of the 25 well contr ols had detectable levels of anti-EtO IgE. Children with antibodies di rected against EtO were more likely to be atopic (p = 0.007) and to ha ve a shunt (p = 0.021) and were markedly more likely to have antibodie s directed against latex (p < 0.001). On average they had undergone mo re shunt revisions and other operations than had children without anti -EtO antibodies. Conclusion: During the period of study no child had a naphylaxis thought to have been due to EtO exposure.