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Risk factors for latex sensitization in children with spina bifida
G Pires1, M Morais-Almeida, A Gaspar
1Immunoallergy Department, Dona Estefania Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal.
Insights
Children with spina bifida have a high risk of latex sensitization, with multiple surgeries and elevated total serum IgE being key risk factors. Further research will track asymptomatic cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Spina Bifida Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Children with spina bifida are a primary risk group for developing latex sensitization.
- Understanding latex sensitization is crucial for managing this vulnerable pediatric population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of latex sensitization in children with spina bifida.
- To identify specific risk factors associated with latex sensitization in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 57 patients with spina bifida underwent a questionnaire, skin prick testing for latex and aeroallergens, and serum total IgE measurement.
- Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, was employed to identify risk factors.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of latex sensitization was 30%, with most sensitized children being asymptomatic.
- Independent risk factors for latex sensitization included a history of four or more surgical interventions and elevated total serum IgE levels (>/= 44 IU/ml).
- Age over 5 years and early-life surgery were also associated with sensitization but not independently.
Conclusions:
- Multiple surgical interventions and elevated total serum IgE are significant, independent predictors of latex sensitization in children with spina bifida.
- Further prospective studies are needed to understand the clinical course of asymptomatic latex-sensitized children.
Background:
Children with spina bifida represent the major risk group for latex sensitization.
Purpose:
To determine the prevalence of latex sensitization in these children and to identify risk factors.
Material And Methods:
We studied 57 patients with spina bifida. The mean age was 5.6 years and the male/female ratio was 0.8/1. In all patients a questionnaire, skin prick test (SPT) with latex (UCB-Stallergènes, Lofarma and ALK-Abelló), common aeroallergens and fruits (UCB-Stallergènes) and serum determination of total IgE (AlaSTAT) were performed.
Results:
The prevalence of latex sensitization was 30 %; only two sensitized children (12 %) had symptoms after exposure. Risk factors for latex sensitization were age >/= 5 years (p = 0.008; OR = 6.0; 95 % CI = 1.7-22.1), having at least four previous surgical interventions (p < 0.0001; OR = 18.5; 95 % CI = 3.6-94.8), having undergone surgery in the first 3 months of life (p = 0.008; OR = 5.4; 95 % CI = 0.7-29.2) and total serum IgE >/= 44 IU/ml (p = 0.03; OR = 3.8; 95 %CI = 1.1-13.1). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only a history of four or more surgical interventions (p < 0.0001; OR = 26.3; 95 %CI = 2.9-234.2) and total serum IgE >/= 44 IU/ml (p = 0.02; OR = 8.6; 95 % CI = 1.4-53.4) were independently associated with latex sensitization. Sex, family and personal allergic history, hydrocephalus with ventriculoperitoneal shunt, cystourethrograms, intermittent bladder catheterization and atopy were not related to latex sensitization.
Conclusions:
In children with spina bifida, significant and independent risk factors identified for latex sensitization were multiple interventions and higher levels of total serum IgE. A prospective study will clarify the clinical evolution of assymptomatic children sensitized to latex.