Allmers H, Brehler R, Chen Z, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Fels H, Baur X, et al.
The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. Date of publication 1998 Nov 1;volume 102(5):841-6.
1. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 1998 Nov;102(5):841-6. doi:
10.1016/s0091-6749(98)70026-0.
Reduction of latex aeroallergens and latex-specific IgE antibodies in sensitized
workers after removal of powdered natural rubber latex gloves in a hospital.
Allmers H(1), Brehler R, Chen Z, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Fels H, Baur X.
Author information:
(1)Berufsgenossenschaftliches Forschungsinstitut für Arbeitsmedizin (BGFA)
Institut an der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany.
BACKGROUND: Respiratory symptoms of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy in health
care workers (HCWs) have been reported in rooms with a detectable allergen load.
Preventive measures have been proposed to reduce the risk of NRL sensitization.
OBJECTIVES: Eliminating powdered NRL gloves from the workplace and giving
NRL-free material to sensitized workers has been among proposed preventive
measures. To appraise the success of such procedures among HCWs, a prospective
study was carried out.
METHODS: Sensitization of HCWs to NRL was determined by skin prick tests and
measurements of specific IgE antibodies. NRL allergen concentrations in room air
were measured before and after substitution of powdered NRL gloves with
powder-free or synthetic gloves in different departments of a hospital and
determined by a competitive inhibition immunoassay.
RESULTS: The prevalence of HCWs with positive skin prick test responses and
NRL-specific IgE-positive HCWs was 8% (n = 7) among the 90 examined staff
members before the intervention started. All 7 reported glove-related allergic
symptoms. Six of 7 sensitized subjects had a significant decrease of
latex-specific IgE antibody concentrations during follow-up examinations in
April and September 1997 (P <.003). Within 24 hours after substitution took
place, NRL aeroallergen levels (up to 49.9 ng/m3) fell below the detection limit
in areas with synthetic gloves or powder-free NRL gloves alike. Use of asthma
medication and antiallergic drugs could be discontinued by 2 HCWs with
NRL-related respiratory tract symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that elimination of powdered NRL gloves is
a useful device in reducing aerogen NRL allergen loads below the detection limit
and permitting sensitized or allergic personnel to remain on the job.
DOI: 10.1016/s0091-6749(98)70026-0
PMID: 9819303 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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