LATEX ANAPHYLAXIS

BACKGROUND: Unexplained vascular collapse, airway obstruction, shock, and death after procedures as innocuous as barium enema or anorectal m anometry have recently been shown to be due to allergy to latex and an aphylactoid reaction. METHOD: To review existing medical literature on latex anaphylaxis and to determine who is most at risk and what metho ds might best prevent morbidity from this condition. RESULTS: Those mo st at risk for this catastrophe are patients whose mucous membranes ha ve been extensively exposed to latex, such as patients with spina bifi da who frequently undergo urethral catheterization and individuals who have had many previous operative procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Avoidance o f latex exposure is the best prophylaxis in high-risk groups. Prompt r esuscitation is critical once the syndrome becomes clinically apparent .