[Latex allergy in pediatric age: an interdisciplinary perioperative management and case reports]

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
• Allergy and Immunology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Latex intraoperative allergy is increasingly prevalent, particularly in pediatric patients with specific risk factors like spina bifida or congenital genitourinary abnormalities.
• Managing latex allergy necessitates close collaboration among multiple specialists to ensure patient safety.
• Atopic individuals and those with multiple surgical histories are also at higher risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an interdisciplinary perioperative management protocol for patients with potential or confirmed latex allergy.
• To identify high-risk patients and implement latex-safe procedures.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of this management strategy in a pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• Patient identification through detailed history and targeted questionnaires to identify risk profiles.
• Implementation of a strictly latex-safe perioperative environment, including latex-free materials and equipment.
• Conducting 18 latex-safe perioperative proceedings for 8 pediatric patients with conditions such as esophageal atresia, bladder exstrophy, and cloacal exstrophy between November 1997 and December 1999.

Main Results:

• No latex-induced allergic reactions or procedure-related complications were observed.
• Surgical and anesthesiological durations were comparable to standard procedures.
• Healthcare providers reported satisfaction with the latex-free materials and equipment used.

Conclusions:

• The developed interdisciplinary perioperative management is a valid, safe, and practical approach for patients with latex allergy.
• This strategy effectively mitigates risks associated with latex exposure in surgical settings.
• The protocol facilitates a collaborative and secure perioperative experience for at-risk pediatric patients.