J Azofra García1. 1. Department of Allergology, Hospital Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain. alergis@hca.es
Abstract
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, as well as to determine the frequency and type of symptoms that emerged as a result of exposure to latex when receiving healthcare (surgery, gynecology, dentistry), as well as other sources of exposure. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with allergy to latex in our department over 11 years. Of the 24 patients, we were able to contact 23 (96%). Twenty were female. Mean age at diagnosis was 36 years (10-67). Mean time of follow-up was 5 years (0.1-11). At the time of diagnosis, patients were informed of the need to avoid contact with latex, with special emphasis given to surgical, gynecological, and dental exposures. RESULTS: Regarding latex exposures in healthcare settings, 5 patients underwent surgery. Four notified of their diagnosis, hence avoiding contact. The patient who failed to inform of his allergy developed laryngeal angioedema. Sixteen patients were exposed via gynecological examinations: Of these, 13 avoided contact with latex gloves and three tolerated them. Twenty patients were exposed to latex during visits to the dentist. Of these, 19 avoided latex and one tolerated it. A further 7 patients (30%) presented allergic syndromes caused by other sources of exposure. These included 4 episodes of contact-induced angioedema due to gloves and balloons and 4 episodes of bronchospasm as a result of being present in atmospheres with high latex contents - hospitals and rooms with balloons. Finally, 4 patients (17%) manifested allergic episodes induced by latex-related foods. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of the patients diagnosed with latex allergy informed of their diagnosis when seeking medical care during which they would be exposed. However, 30% of the patients presented some kind of allergic episode due to another type of exposure and 17% presented allergies to related foods.
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 latexallergy with respect to following avoidance measures, as well as to determine the frequency and type of symptoms that emerged as a result of exposure to latex when receiving healthcare (surgery, gynecology, dentistry), as well as other sources of exposure. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with allergy to latex in our department over 11 years. Of the 24 patients, we were able to contact 23 (96%). Twenty were female. Mean age at diagnosis was 36 years (10-67). Mean time of follow-up was 5 years (0.1-11). At the time of diagnosis, patients were informed of the need to avoid contact with latex, with special emphasis given to surgical, gynecological, and dental exposures. RESULTS: Regarding latex exposures in healthcare settings, 5 patients underwent surgery. Four notified of their diagnosis, hence avoiding contact. The patient who failed to inform of his allergy developed laryngeal angioedema. Sixteen patients were exposed via gynecological examinations: Of these, 13 avoided contact with latex gloves and three tolerated them. Twenty patients were exposed to latex during visits to the dentist. Of these, 19 avoided latex and one tolerated it. A further 7 patients (30%) presented allergic syndromes caused by other sources of exposure. These included 4 episodes of contact-induced angioedema due to gloves and balloons and 4 episodes of bronchospasm as a result of being present in atmospheres with high latex contents - hospitals and rooms with balloons. Finally, 4 patients (17%) manifested allergic episodes induced by latex-related foods. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of the patients diagnosed with latexallergy informed of their diagnosis when seeking medical care during which they would be exposed. However, 30% of the patients presented some kind of allergic episode due to another type of exposure and 17% presented allergies to related foods.