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Latex allergy in Saudi children with spina bifida

H Kattan1, H A Harfi, P Tipirneni

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, General Pediatrics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Allergy
|April 9, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A quarter of Saudi children with spina bifida (SB) experience latex allergies, particularly males and those requiring catheters or urologic surgery. This highlights the need for awareness and management of latex sensitivity in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Spina Bifida Research
  • Medical Device Safety

Background:

  • Children with spina bifida (SB) face frequent exposure to latex products from birth due to medical interventions.
  • IgE-mediated latex allergic reactions are increasingly reported in pediatric SB populations.
  • This study investigated the prevalence of latex allergy in Saudi Arabian children with SB.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of latex allergy in Saudi Arabian children with spina bifida.
  • To identify risk factors associated with latex allergy in this cohort.
  • To evaluate diagnostic methods for latex sensitivity.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 59 Saudi Arabian children (aged 1-20 years) with SB was assessed.
  • Data collected included latex reaction history, co-existing allergies, surgical history, and latex product exposure.
  • Latex sensitivity was confirmed using skin prick tests (SPT), CAP tests, and latex skin challenges.

Main Results:

  • Latex allergy was identified in 25% of the study group.
  • Significant correlations were found between latex allergy and male sex (42%), catheter use (38%), and urologic surgery (60%).
  • The CAP test demonstrated higher sensitivity for detecting latex allergy compared to SPT or latex challenge.

Conclusions:

  • The prevalence of latex allergy in Saudi Arabian children with spina bifida is significant.
  • Urologic procedures and urethral catheter use are strongly associated with latex allergy.
  • The CAP test is a reliable diagnostic tool for latex allergy in SB patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
Saudi childrenlatex allergyspina bifida

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