[Latex allergy in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities syndrome]

Our experience of an anaphylactic reaction to latex in a severely disabled patient led us to investigate latex allergy in 58 cases with severe motor and intellectual disabilities syndrome. Latex specific IgE, total serum IgE, and eosinophil counts in peripheral blood were evaluated, as well as past history of treatment with medical latex materials, operation and allergic disorders. Only one case who had been operated three times, had anaphylactic reaction and mild atopic dermatitis. Fifteen cases (25.9%) had latex specific IgE of class 2 or more. In this latex positive group, past history of allergic disorders, such as bronchilal asthma, atopic dermatitis and drug eruptions, were the most prominent factor. Those without such a history were characterized by frequent use of medical latex materials and multiple operations. In conclusion, the danger of an anaphylactic reaction to latex should be recognized, particularly in the medical care for disabled patients.