J Walusiak — Page 2 | PubMed Health

PubMed1997

[Occupational immediate allergy to latex. II. Diagnosis and prevention].

In vitro methods play an extremely important role in the diagnosis of natural rubber allergy (NRL). In vivo diagnostic procedures may be life-threatening and clinical history is usually of low sensitivity and specificity. CAP-RAST and AlaSTAT--laboratory methods for detection of specific IgE--display most likely the highest clinical value in NRL diagnosis. Skin prick tests, the test with a piece of glove, bronchial and nasal challenge tests are also used in the diagnosis of natural rubber allergy. The most essential preventive issues of NRL are as follows: the drawing up guidelines on labelling of latex containing medical devices, high risk group screening, and the development of facilities in health institutions for taking care of patients sensitized to latex.

Humans↗

PubMed1997

Occupational allergy to latex--life threatening reactions in health care workers. Report of three cases.

During the last decade natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy has been acknowledged as a major problem among rubber glove-wearing medical personnel. Epidemiological studies carried out in the European Union member states as well as in the United States reveal that 2% to 15% of health care workers are allergic to latex. Latex allergy symptoms range from mild contact urticaria to severe systemic reactions. Serious, generalised reactions occur in 6-8% of patients allergic to latex. The risk factors for latex-induced anaphylaxis have not as yet been identified. NRL allergy symptoms may occur in the workplace as well as outside the occupational environment. The authors present clinical cases of 2 nurses and 1 laboratory worker, who developed severe allergic reactions to latex: case 1--during prophylactic gynaecologic examination, case 2--in the course of inhalative bronchial challenge test with latex aqueous extract and case 3--while blowing up balloon at home.

Adult↗