Sussman GL, Beezhold DH, et al.
Annals of internal medicine. Date of publication 1995 Jan 1;volume 122(1):43-6.
1. Ann Intern Med. 1995 Jan 1;122(1):43-6. doi:
10.7326/0003-4819-122-1-199501010-00007.
Allergy to latex rubber.
Sussman GL(1), Beezhold DH.
Author information:
(1)Guthrie Foundation for Medical Research, Sayre, Pennsylvania.
Comment in
Ann Intern Med. 1995 Aug 1;123(3):234; author reply 235.
Ann Intern Med. 1995 Aug 1;123(3):234-5.
OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical symptoms of latex rubber allergy and
provide guidelines for the management of this allergy.
DATA SOURCES: The English-language literature was searched from 1979 through
1994 manually and using MEDLINE. Conference proceedings and reference lists of
relevant articles were reviewed.
DATA EXTRACTION: Studies clinically relevant to latex allergy were selected.
RESULTS: The most common clinical presentation of latex allergy is a
nonimmunologic, irritant dermatitis of the hand. Contact dermatitis (type IV
delayed hypersensitivity reactions to rubber additives) is the most common
immunologic manifestation of latex rubber allergy. Type I allergic responses are
less common and include contact urticaria, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and
anaphylaxis. Seven percent to 10% of health care workers regularly exposed to
latex and 28% to 67% of children with spina bifida have a positive skin test
result to latex proteins indicating increased blood levels of IgE antibody.
About one third of patients with positive skin test results, however, do not yet
have symptoms of latex allergy. Systemic (life-threatening) anaphylactic shock
can occur intraoperatively in highly sensitive patients because of mucosal
absorption of latex protein allergens from the surgeon's gloves. The present
treatment for latex allergy is careful avoidance of latex materials. In
addition, the use of powder-free latex gloves can eliminate airborne latex
exposure and can allow health care workers with inhalant allergic reactions to
return to work.
CONCLUSION: Latex allergy currently affects thousands of people. These persons
have IgE-mediated cutaneous, respiratory, and systemic allergic reactions. A
reduction of the total protein level on latex rubber devices may prevent further
sensitization and eliminate latex allergic reactions.
DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-122-1-199501010-00007
PMID: 7985895 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
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