Latex allergy in children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries.

The incidence of latex allergy in children and adolescents with spinal cord injuries was investigated using history and laboratory testing. Among 67 individuals with spinal cord injuries, four had histories of latex allergy, and two of these also had positive laboratory tests. There were eight individuals without a history of latex allergy who had positive laboratory tests. Defining latex allergy as a positive history or a positive laboratory test, 12 of the 67 subjects (18%) would be considered allergic to latex. The incidence of latex allergy increased with time since the spinal cord injury. Recommendations are made for the diagnosis, management, and prevention of latex allergy in individuals with spinal cord injuries.