PROSPECTIVE-STUDY OF RISK-FACTORS IN NATURAL-RUBBER LATEX HYPERSENSITIVITY

Five hundred sixty-nine subjects routinely underwent skin prick tests for latent sensitization to latex. The study of risk factors included skin tests to inhalant allergens, to diagnose atopy, and a questionnai re aimed at revealing frequent exposure to latex such as the wearing o f gloves, multiple surgical procedures, or urinary catheterization. Th e subjects were categorized into five groups: group I, subjects with n o risk factor (n = 272); group II, nonatopic subjects exposed to latex (n = 73); group III, atopic subjects not exposed (n = 180); group IV, exposed atopic subjects (n = 44); and group V, subjects with a histor y of intraoperative anaphylactic shock caused by latex (n = 13). Twent y-five subjects had spina bifida and were in either group II (14 subje cts) or group IV (11 subjects). The questionnaire identified a probabl e allergy to latex in 18 subjects: 16 cases were confirmed by skin tes t, but responses were not informative in 23 patients who were sensitiv e to latex. Positive prick tests to latex were obtained in 0.37% of gr oup I, 6.85% of group II, 9.44% of group III, and 36.36% of group IV. Of the children with spina bifida, 32% had positive skin test results. As risk factors, atopy and exposure were synergistic. We recommend pr edictive prick tests not only in children with spina bifida but also i n any atopic subject or in any patient with a history of frequent expo sure to latex. Latex could be considered a habitual allergen. The use of latex urinary catheters should be avoided in patients who are cathe terized on a daily basis.