RISK-FACTORS FOR LATEX HYPERSENSITIVITY IN CHILDHOOD

As hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex (NRL) has become an increa singly recognized problem in children, identification of all groups at risk seems important. In this study hypersensitivity to NRL was evalu ated in 337 children with potential risk factors. We identified by que stionnaire children's underlying diseases, history of surgical procedu res, evidence of atopy and patient's history of NRL-specific reactions . Hypersensitivity to NRL and other allergens relevant in the Dusseldo rf area was evaluated by skin prick test and specific IgE. In 9.2% of all children hypersensitivity to NRL was observed. Significant risk fa ctors for hypersensitivity to NRL were, among the underlying diseases, spina bifida (odds ratio 29.2), hydrocephalus internus (10.1), gastro intestinal malformation (5.2) and atopy (2.2). Surgical procedures wit h significant risk were the implantation of a ventriculo-peritoneal sh unt (15.7) and surgery of the gastrointestinal tract (3.1). Frequency of surgical procedures correlated (p<0.001) with risk of hypersensitiv ity. Frequent surgery and atopy were found to have an additional effec t on the risk of hypersensitivity. Information about previous NRL-spec ific reactions obtained by questionnaire was of little predictive valu e when performing multivariate analysis. For children at high risk for hypersensitivity to NRL preoperative evaluation and, in case of hyper sensitivity, preventive measures seem to be advised.