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Latex sensitization in children with spina bifida: follow-up comparative study after two years
1Section of Pediatric Allergy, Children's Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
Background:
Previous findings suggest that sensitization to latex in children with spina bifida is a dynamic process.
Objective:
To study if changes appear in the sensitization status after withdrawal of latex.
Methods:
We studied a consecutive sample of 68 children with spina bifida, by means of latex skin prick tests and quantification of serum latex-specific IgE on two separate occasions two years apart.
Results:
Forty-four (65%) were classified as nonsensitized, 6 (9%) showed indeterminate results, and 18 (26%) were sensitized to latex, six of whom had clinical reactions to latex. They were instructed to avoid latex. In a second evaluation, 2 years later, 38 (56%) were classified as nonsensitized, 3 (4%) as indeterminate, and 27 (40%) as sensitized to latex, 11 of whom had presented latex symptoms. This meant 22% of spina bifida children demonstrated progressive sensitization, in spite of having adopted a latex-free environment at our hospital. It illustrates the progressive character of latex sensitization in these patients.
Conclusion:
Latex avoidance measures both in the medical and home settings must be stressed. We recommend that children with spina bifida should be periodically evaluated regarding latex sensitization.