BACKGROUND Occupational exposure of healthcare workers to natural rubber latex has led to sensitization and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis. Although environmental exposure to natural rubber latex products is necessary for sensitization, it is not sufficient. A number of genetic factors also seem to contribute to the latex sensitization; however, the multigenic nature of the allergic p...

Although formaldehyde is well known to cause type 4 hypersensitivity, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to formaldehyde is rare. Here, we report a case of recurrent generalized urticaria after endodontic treatment using a para-formaldehyde (PFA)-containing root canal sealant and present a review of previous studies describing cases of immediate hypersensitivity reactions to forma...

As latex proteins, which cause latex hypersensitivity, can be found on starch particles and inhalation may be a route for sensitization, the presence of starch particles in hospital air was examined. The starch particles were demonstrated by immobilization onto cellulose acetate filters and staining with iodine. Rooms in which powdered latex gloves were used gave counts of up to > 3,667 particl...

T he rate of latex sensitization has been increasing since its first recognition in 1979, and anesthesiologists encounter patients with a diagnosis of latex allergy more and more often (1). Latex is a ubiquitous material that is found in balloons, condoms, and many surgical and nonsurgical products. Anesthesiologists, like many other types of physicians who often wear latex gloves, may also bec...

Natural rubber latex allergy (NRL-A) is an international problem of public health. About 50-60% of NRL-A patients may present adverse reactions after ingestion cross-reacting vegetable foods. This condition is called “Latex-fruit Syndrome” and is matter of research. The aim of our study is distinguishing between clinical/subclinical latex-fruit syndrome and cross-sensitization to latex and food...

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to determine prevalence and risk factors for latex hypersensitivity among health care workers (HCW) of an Italian general hospital. METHODS 1747 HCW of the Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan were asked to fill in a questionnaire regarding latex-related manifestations (LRM) and personal medical history, and latex-specific IgE were measured by RAST-Cap s...

Allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to natural latex have been reported with increasing frequency. Many specific populations have been identified as high risk for latex sensitivity. This research focused on the pediatric surgical population. Previous research had identified children with spina bifida, children requiring bowel or bladder programs, children with a history of atopy, and childre...

The prevalence of specific IgE to natural rubber latex proteins in the general population remains uncertain.The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of sera containing specific IgE antibodies to latex proteins using immunoenzymatic methods. A population of 500 unselected adult voluntary blood donors was the source of the sera used in this study. Two different immunoenzymatic me...

The author provides a protocol for managing latex-sensitive surgical patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative stages. Not only patients with a history of latex reaction but also patients with recurrent daily latex exposure and specific food allergies require careful monitoring.