[Allergy to latex gloves. A cause of surgical shock].

Latex induced anaphylaxis was observed in 2 children during surgical procedures. Anaphylaxis was due to exposure to surgical latex gloves. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with a previous history of rubber induced urticaria and is confirmed by positive skin tests to latex. In patients presenting with allergy to latex, prophylaxis is based on the use or surgical gloves made of vinyl or neoprene.