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Increased prevalence of latex-sensitization among children with chronic renal failure
E Dehlink1, C Prandstetter, T Eiwegger
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
Insights
Children with chronic renal failure (CRF) face a higher risk of natural rubber latex (NRL) hypersensitivity. Atopy and multiple surgeries are key risk factors for NRL sensitization in this vulnerable pediatric group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Type-I allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) is more common in specific patient populations.
- Children with chronic renal failure (CRF) are a potential risk group due to frequent latex exposure from medical devices.
- Investigated prevalence and risk factors for latex sensitization in pediatric CRF patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of latex sensitization in children with CRF.
- To identify risk factors associated with latex sensitization in this patient group.
Main Methods:
- Assessed 93 pediatric CRF patients (mean age 10.5 years).
- Utilized questionnaire-based history (renal disease, surgeries, atopy, NRL reactions, pacifier use).
- Measured total and latex-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels.
Main Results:
- 10.8% (10/93) of patients had elevated latex-specific IgE.
- Sensitized patients were more likely to have atopy and a higher number of urogenital surgeries (P=0.02).
- Only one sensitized patient reported clinical symptoms; no in-hospital allergic reactions to NRL were reported.
Conclusions:
- Children with CRF exhibit an increased risk of latex hypersensitivity.
- Atopy and repeated surgeries are significantly associated with latex sensitization in pediatric CRF patients.
- Further research is needed to assess anaphylaxis risk and guide preventive strategies.
Background:
Type-I-allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) has been shown to be more prevalent among certain groups of patients. Children suffering from chronic renal failure (CRF) could be a suspected risk group because of their intense exposure to latex through catheters, gloves and anesthetic equipment during frequent hospitalizations from early life on. We investigated the prevalence of latex-sensitization among this group of patients and sought to identify risk factors.
Methods:
Ninety-three patients (mean age 10.5 years) suffering from CRF were assessed by questionnaire-based history (details on renal disease, number and kind of surgical procedures, family and personal history of atopic diseases, allergic reactions to NRL, and the use of pacifiers) and by measurement of total and latex-specific serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E.
Results:
Ten of 93 (10.8%) patients showed elevated latex-specific IgE-levels. One of 10 patients reported clinical symptoms to latex-allergen, but no allergic reactions to NRL during medical care were reported. Sensitized patients were significantly more likely to be atopic, reflected by a positive history of other allergies as well as elevated total serum IgE-levels, and had a significantly higher number of urogenital surgeries (P = 0.02 in all cases, Fisher's exact and Wilcoxon test, respectively).
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that children with CRF are at increased risk of latex-hypersensitivity. Significant associations with atopy and repeated surgeries were observed. Larger studies are required to elucidate whether these children are also at increased risk of anaphylaxis and therefore deserve preventive measures.
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