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T Fieber

Publications and source records attributed to T Fieber.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1998

Comparing the enzyme allergosorbens and coated allergen particle tests for latex allergy: which in vitro test should be chosen by an anesthesiologist?

UNLABELLED: To determine sensitivity and specificity of the enzyme allergosorbens test (EAST) and the coated allergen particle Test (CAP) in detecting specific antibodies against latex, we compared these two methods in a previously investigated sample of an epidemiological study among our anesthesia staff. One hundred one blood samples were tested with EAST and CAP for specific antibodies against latex. Skin test results were used as references. CAP was more sensitive in detecting sensitized individuals than EAST (56% vs 18.8%). Two additional persons with previously negative skin tests were detected. These results suggest that the EAST system is not as sensitive as the CAP system. Therefore, the CAP system should be preferred for the in vitro diagnosis of latex allergy. IMPLICATIONS: Testing for latex allergy requires time-consuming and technically difficult tests. Easy to perform in vitro tests for latex allergy are desirable. Our results indicate that the coated allergen particle test is more sensitive and easy to use than the enzyme allergosorbens test.

Anesthesiology↗
PubMed1997

The prevalence of latex sensitivity among anesthesiology staff.

Reports dealing with allergic reactions to latex among health care professionals are increasing steadily. This study is the first epidemiological investigation of latex allergy among anesthesia staff. We tested 101 persons of the staff of the Institute of Anesthesiology, Kantonsspital, Lucerne, Switzerland, using a standardized questionnaire, prick test (latex extract), scratch test (latex glove), and immunoglobin E (IgE) analysis. Sixteen of 101 persons (15.8%) had a positive skin test. Two of them had a positive radioallergosorbent test (RAST) Class II, and one person was Class I. Risk factors were a history of atopy (P < 0.001) and positive skin tests on atopy screening (P = 0.016). IgE levels were increased in the latex-sensitive group. Three of the 11 sensitized persons (total sensitized persons 16) who performed spirometry had significantly reduced expiratory peak flow values during working hours. It is concluded that anesthesiology staff is at high risk of allergic sensitization to latex. The most important risk indicator was an atopy. Skin tests are more sensitive than blood tests (i.e., specific antibodies, IgE).

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Electronic expert system in medicine. For example ILIAD].

Expert systems are knowledge data bases founded on patient data, literature searches and opinions of experts. With these systems it is for instance possible to test or to take clinical decisions. ILIAD, USA version 4.2, an adaptable software using probabilistic strategies, was investigated. This system is, among other uses, employed for quality assurance and documentation, as a teaching instrument as well as a knowledge base. It comprises the ICD-9 index of diagnoses and a selected and commented up-to-date review of the literature from 'Mosby's Year Book of Medicine'. The features of ILIAD are presented, and the possibilities and limitations of its use as well as that of expert systems in general are discussed.

Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted↗
PubMed1996

[Latex allergy--not only a threatening danger to patients. A case report from an anesthesiological department].

A 31-old male nurse of anesthesiology was exposed to rubber gloves over a period of ten years. An atopic diathesis was known. From time to time he had episodes of pollinosis. Since nine months he had suffered from conjunctivitis, rhinitis and shortness of breath while wearing latex gloves. During a night shift ten minutes after consumption of tropical fruit (bananas, kiwi) he had to care for a patient in the emergency room. He wore rubber gloves and had to clean the emergency room. Initially, his palms and feet itched. Then he experienced angor and increased perspiration 90 seconds later he suffered severe dyspnea and dysesthesia in the lower extremities. Treatment with theophylline and beta sympathomimetics, steroids and antihistaminics was successful. This male nurse had a positive history for contact urticaria after exposition to rubber. He suffered a dramatic exacerbation when wearing latex gloves and inhaling latex-contaminated air after eating tropical fruits. Fruit could have been a potent booster. Hospital employees with a history of atopic disease should be screened for potential latex allergy before occupational exposure.

Adult↗