HYPERSENSITIVITY TO LATEX IN HEALTH-CARE WORKERS - REPORT OF 5 CASES

Concern about transmission of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and h epatitis has greatly increased the use of latex gloves. Latex allergy is a newly emerging problem with potential life-threatening sequelae a mong health care personnel. Patients are also at risk. We report on fi ve cases of latex allergy in health care workers who were using latex gloves for variable lengths of time before their allergic reaction. Al l workers had a significant history of reactions to other allergens, i ncluding inhalants and food. Each individual had at least one systemic symptom that was directly attributed to latex exposure. Reactions to latex ranged from severe contact urticaria (all cases), bronchospasm ( three cases), angioedema (two cases), and rhinorrhea (one case) to ana phyloctic reactions that required immediate attention in three cases. Levels of specific IgE to latex (as measured by in vitro enzyme immuno assay) and total IgE were elevated in all five patients (total IgE > 1 00 kU/L). Long-term treatment included avoidance of latex, administrat ion of antihistamines, and desensitization to other, nonlatex allergen s. Health care workers should have increased awareness of latex allerg y. At risk are health care workers with a history of other allergies a nd those with atopic dermatitis or eczema. In vitro testing may be use ful, especially in persons with skin conditions such as eczema or urti caria or for persons with a history of systemic reactions to the latex allergen as reported in these five cases.