[Follow-up of latex-induced occupational asthma]

We studied 29 subjects with latex-induced occupational asthma in a follow-up of 5 +/- 3 years. Initial and follow-up visits included a questionnaire and measurement of lung volumes, bronchial responsiveness to methacholine (PD20FEV1), and latex-specific serum IgE levels. At follow-up, 17 subjects were no longer exposed to latex, whereas 12 subjects had reduced exposure. Asthma and rhinitis symptoms, use of steroids and bronchial hyperresponsiveness improved significantly at follow-up, whereas mean FEV1% and FVC% decreased (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that the main determinant of FEV1 and PD20FEV1 at follow up were the values of these variables at diagnosis. Complete recovery of occupational asthma was observed in 7 subjects (24%), all in the non-exposed group. Latex-specific IgE did not exhibit significant changes. In conclusion latex-induced occupational asthma improves after a follow-up of 5 +/- 3 years, but a complete recovery occurs in a minority of subjects and is associated with cessation of exposure. Lung function measurements at follow up depend from their impairment at the time of diagnosis.