Latex allergy has become an occupational hazard among healthcare workers. Atopy and degree of exposure have been recognized as predisposing factors for latex sensitization. We investigated the prevalence of latex allergy and the potential risk factors for latex sensitization, by distributing a questionnaire to 284 employees of a general hospital in central Italy. We collected information about ...

Background: Crude latex extracts are commonly used in skin prick tests (SPT) for the diagnosis of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy. Nevertheless, variations in protein and allergen composition between latex extracts from different manufacturers can hamper a correct diagnosis. Objectives: To analyze the heterogeneity of proteins and allergens in latex extracts from 7 different manufacturers an...

BACKGROUND There has been a worldwide increase in allergy and asthma over the last few decades, particularly in industrially developed nations. This resulted in a renewed interest to understand the pathogenesis of allergy in recent years. The progress made in the pathogenesis of allergic disease has led to the exploration of novel alternative therapies, which include herbal medicines as well. C...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Allergy to natural rubber latex products has become a major source of concern, affecting both patients and healthcare workers. This report aimed at describing an accidental diagnosis of latex allergy after urological surgery under spinal anesthesia when patient presented clinical manifestations of anaphylactic shock. CASE REPORT Male patient, 16 years old, with poste...

Over many years, allergy to natural rubber latex has been a major problem among health care workers (HCW). The diagnosis of occupational allergy requires methods of high diagnostic accuracy in view of certification implications (e.g., a sick worker quits a job). With the development of molecular methods, the frequency of application of recombinant allergens it the diagnostics of allergic diseas...

The object of this paper is to educate health care providers of the markedly increased incidence of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy to epidemic proportions during the past 10 to 12 years. A review of latex allergy problems in health care providers as well as patients is presented. Also reported is a questionnaire survey of institutions listed with the Health Care Association of Hawaii.

BACKGROUND There are several studies that deal with the evolution of patients with occupational rhinitis/asthma as a result of immunoglobulin (Ig) E-mediated allergy to latex. However, none have focused on the course of this illness in non-occupational settings. OBJECTIVE To ascertain patient compliance in individuals diagnosed with latex allergy with respect to following avoidance measures, ...

Anaphylactic shock occurred in a 9-year-old myasthenic boy after induction of anesthesia for thymectomy. Resuscitation was successful. Subsequent skin testing identified latex as the cause. Although the patient was not in a high-risk group for latex allergy, detailed questioning confirmed that sensitivity had developed during repeated exposures in previous anesthesia and dental care. Six months...