Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
Antigenic Liposomes for Generation of Disease-specific Antibodies
Published on: October 25, 2018
Latex sensitisation and allergy in children with myelomeningocele
Insights
Children with spina bifida (SB) face high latex exposure, leading to frequent allergic reactions. This study found 48% sensitization and 15% allergy in myelomeningocele (MMC) patients, highlighting the need for latex-safe environments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Children with spina bifida (SB) experience significant exposure to latex products due to frequent medical interventions.
- This increased exposure leads to a higher incidence of latex allergic reactions in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of latex sensitization and allergy in children with myelomeningocele (MMC).
- To identify risk factors associated with latex allergy in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Evaluated latex sensitization using specific IgE levels (radioallergosorbent test [RAST]).
- Assessed clinical manifestations of latex allergy.
- Analyzed correlations between sensitization/allergy and factors like total IgE (paper radioimmunosorbent test [PRIST]), surgical history, and allergy familiarity.
Main Results:
- 48% of patients (29/60) exhibited latex sensitization (specific IgE >0.7 kU/l).
- 15% of patients (9/60) were clinically diagnosed with latex allergy.
- Elevated specific serum IgE to latex (RAST) was the primary factor correlated with allergy (p<0.01), followed by total IgE (PRIST), number of surgeries, and allergy familiarity.
Conclusions:
- The high prevalence of latex sensitization and allergy in children with MMC underscores the critical need for preventative strategies.
- Implementing latex-safe protocols in healthcare settings and daily life is essential to mitigate risks of severe allergic reactions.
Introduction:
Children with spina bifida (SB) have a high degree of exposure to latex products as a consequence of repeated surgical procedures, implantation of latex-containing materials and catheterisation. The consequence is a higher incidence of latex allergic reactions.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of latex sensitisation and allergy in a population of children with myelomeningocele (MMC) and to assess the role of associated risk factors.
Results:
Forty-eight percent of the patients (29 out of 60) showed a latex sensitisation with specific IgE >0.7 kU/l while 15% (9 out of 60) were allergic to latex (specific IgE >0.7 kU/l and clinical manifestations). The principal factor correlated with allergy to latex was specific serum IgE to latex (radioallergosorbent test [RAST]) values (p<0.01). Other factors were total serum IgE (paper radioimmunosorbent test [PRIST]) values, number of surgical procedures and familiarity with allergy.
Conclusion:
These results underline the importance of prophylactic measures to avoid the exposure, not only in the sanitary environment, through the institution of latex-safe routes, but also in daily life, to prevent potentially serious allergic reactions.
