LATEX ALLERGY - CLINICAL-FEATURES AND CROSS-REACTIVITY WITH FRUITS

Background: Latex IgE-mediated allergy is an important medical problem , but its clinical characteristics and association with food allergies are not well defined. Objective: Our objectives were to determine the clinical features of latex-allergic patients, and latex-associated fo od hypersensitivities. Methods: A prospective study was performed in o ur outpatient clinic. It consisted of a clinical questionnaire, skin p rick tests with aeroallergens and foods, skin test with a latex extrac t, determination of total and specific IgE by CAP/RAST methods, and RA ST inhibition. Latex and food allergies were diagnosed on the basis of a suggestive clinical history and a positive skin test with the corre sponding allergen. Results: Twenty-five patients were diagnosed as hav ing latex allergy. Their mean age was 33 +/- 9.0 years, with female pr edominance (23:2). There were nine greenhouse and six hospital workers . Latex-induced reactions included systemic anaphylaxis in nine patien ts (36%). Average total IgE was 161 kU/L, and it was within normal lim its in 16 cases. Latex skin prick tests had excellent diagnostic preci sion with no adverse reactions, and CAP for latex diagnostic sensitivi ty was 80%. Forty-two food allergies were diagnosed in 13 of our patie nts (52%), and 23 of these consisted of systemic anaphylaxis. The most frequent food hypersensitivities were to avocado (9),chestnut (9), ba nana (7), kiwi (5) and papaya (3). Through RAST-inhibition, cross-reac tivity among latex, avocado, chestnut, and banana was demonstrated. Co nclusions: In our experience, latex allergy affects middle-aged women in certain professions at increased risk. Our data suggest the existen ce of a ''latex-fruit syndrome, because 52% of our latex allergic pati ents had allergies to certain fruits.