BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of reducing exposure to latex in subjects with latex-induced asthma remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the health and socioeconomic outcomes of subjects with latex-induced asthma before and after reduction or cessation of exposure to latex. METHODS: Thirty-six subjects with latex-induced asthma as ascertained by specific inhalation challenges were investigated after a median follow-up of 56 months (range, 12 to 92 months). Initial and follow-up visits included use of a detailed questionnaire and measurement of the concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in FEV(1) (PC(20)). At follow-up, information on employment, financial status, and quality of life was collected. RESULTS: At follow-up, 16 subjects were no longer exposed to latex, whereas 20 subjects had reduced exposure. In the subjects who avoided exposure, asthma severity decreased from a median score of 8.5 to 3.5 (P =.001) and the median histamine PC(20) value increased from 0.4 mg/mL to 2.3 mg/mL (P =.002). In the subjects who reduced their exposure, asthma-severity score improved from 6.5 to 2.5 (P <.001) and PC(20) values rose from 0.5 mg/mL to 2.4 mg/mL (P <.001). Cessation of exposure to latex was associated with asthma-related work disability (69%) and loss of income (62%) more frequently than was reduction of exposure (35% and 30%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Reduction of exposure to latex should be considered a reasonably safe alternative that is associated with fewer socioeconomic consequences than removal from exposure.
BACKGROUND: The long-term effects of reducing exposure to latex in subjects with latex-induced asthma remain unknown. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the health and socioeconomic outcomes of subjects with latex-induced asthma before and after reduction or cessation of exposure to latex. METHODS: Thirty-six subjects with latex-induced asthma as ascertained by specific inhalation challenges were investigated after a median follow-up of 56 months (range, 12 to 92 months). Initial and follow-up visits included use of a detailed questionnaire and measurement of the concentration of histamine causing a 20% fall in FEV(1) (PC(20)). At follow-up, information on employment, financial status, and quality of life was collected. RESULTS: At follow-up, 16 subjects were no longer exposed to latex, whereas 20 subjects had reduced exposure. In the subjects who avoided exposure, asthma severity decreased from a median score of 8.5 to 3.5 (P =.001) and the median histamine PC(20) value increased from 0.4 mg/mL to 2.3 mg/mL (P =.002). In the subjects who reduced their exposure, asthma-severity score improved from 6.5 to 2.5 (P <.001) and PC(20) values rose from 0.5 mg/mL to 2.4 mg/mL (P <.001). Cessation of exposure to latex was associated with asthma-related work disability (69%) and loss of income (62%) more frequently than was reduction of exposure (35% and 30%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Reduction of exposure to latex should be considered a reasonably safe alternative that is associated with fewer socioeconomic consequences than removal from exposure.
Authors: Elizabeth P Lowery; Paul K Henneberger; Richard Rosiello; Susan R Sama; Peggy Preusse; Don K Milton Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2007-10-24 Impact factor: 4.147
Authors: Rolf Merget; V van Kampen; K Sucker; E Heinze; D Taeger; N Goldscheid; M G Haufs; M Raulf-Heimsoth; K Kromark; A Nienhaus; T Bruening Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2010-05-04 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: George L Delclos; David Gimeno; Ahmed A Arif; Keith D Burau; Arch Carson; Christine Lusk; Thomas Stock; Elaine Symanski; Lawrence W Whitehead; Jan-Paul Zock; Fernando G Benavides; Josep M Antó Journal: Am J Respir Crit Care Med Date: 2006-12-21 Impact factor: 21.405