LATEX ALLERGY IN SPINA-BIFIDA PATIENTS - PREVENTION BY PRIMARY PROPHYLAXIS

Background The effect of latex prophylaxis has not been investigated i n spina bifida children, a high-risk group for latex allergy. As repea ted operations have been identified as a major cause of latex sensitiz ation, we wanted to find out whether primary latex prophylaxis during surgery could prevent latex allergy in children with spina bifida. Met hods In December 1995, we established latex-free surgery and anesthesi a for all patients with spina bifida regardless of their sensitization to latex. Twelve children born after that date (mean age 1.2 years, m ean number of operations 3.3, range 1-7) were tested for specific IgE against latex until December 1997 (ImmunoCap, Pharmacia, Uppsala, Swed en) and compared with eight children born before December 1995 (mean a ge 1.3 years, mean number of operations 3.6, range 1-8), in whom a tes t for latex IgE had been done before the age of 2 years. Results Befor e we established primary prophylaxis, three of seven children with spi na bifida (38%) were sensitized to latex until the age of 2 years. Aft er the establishment of a latex-free operating theater for spina bifid a patients, none of the 12 patients were sensitized to latex despite u p to seven operations in each child. Conclusions Primary latex prophyl axis during surgery can prevent latex sensitization in young spina bif ida patients.