Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation
Published on: August 13, 2015
Risk factors for latex sensitization in young children with myelomeningocele. Clinical article
Masoud Majed1, Farideh Nejat, Mostafa El Khashab
1Departments of Neurosurgery, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Tehran, Iran.
Object:
Patients with myelomeningoceles (MMCs) are at increased risk of latex allergy and sensitization. Number of surgeries and history of atopy are known risk factors. The object of this study was to evaluate the role of diagnostic procedures and nonsurgical treatments in latex sensitization in young patients with MMC.
Methods:
Seventy-three children with MMC were included in the study. For each child a questionnaire was administered and serum determination of IgE was performed, and 62 children underwent skin prick tests (SPTs), 60 of which had reliable results. Multivariate logistic regression modeling was performed, using latex sensitization as the dependent variable.
Results:
The mean age of the 73 patients was 3.8 years. The SPT results were positive in 30.6%, whereas results of testing for latex-specific IgE were positive in only 8.2%. In univariate analysis, history of untethering, barium enema, and number of clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs) per day were significantly associated with positive results on the SPT. Although the number of surgical procedures was significantly higher in patients who had shunts, no significant relationship between the presence of a shunt and latex sensitization was seen.
Conclusions:
The young age of the patients in this study may account for the low prevalence of latex sensitization that was found. In young patients with MMC, the numbers of CICs per day, a history of untethering, circumcision, and a barium enema performed without latex-free equipment could be risk factors for latex sensitization. The use of latex-free gloves in all procedures performed in these cases, nonlatex polyvinyl chloride catheters in CIC, and ordinary nonballoon tips in barium enemas could decrease the risk of sensitization.
Insights
Young patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) face latex sensitization risks. Daily clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs), untethering surgery, and barium enemas without latex-free equipment are key risk factors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Spina Bifida Research
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Patients with myelomeningocele (MMC) exhibit a heightened susceptibility to latex allergy and sensitization.
- Established risk factors for latex sensitization include a history of atopy and the number of surgical interventions.
- Understanding specific procedural risks is crucial for preventing latex sensitization in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of diagnostic procedures and non-surgical treatments on latex sensitization in pediatric patients diagnosed with myelomeningocele (MMC).
- To identify specific risk factors associated with latex sensitization in young MMC patients.
- To inform preventative strategies for reducing latex exposure in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 73 children with MMC was evaluated.
- Data collection included patient questionnaires, serum IgE determination, and skin prick tests (SPTs) for 62 participants.
- Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to identify predictors of latex sensitization.
Main Results:
- Skin prick tests (SPTs) revealed a 30.6% positive rate for latex sensitization, contrasting with an 8.2% positive rate for latex-specific IgE.
- Univariate analysis identified a history of untethering, barium enema procedures, and the daily frequency of clean intermittent catheterizations (CICs) as significant risk factors for positive SPT results.
- No significant association was found between the presence of a shunt and latex sensitization, despite a higher number of surgeries in patients with shunts.
Conclusions:
- The low prevalence of latex sensitization observed may be attributed to the young age of the study cohort.
- Identified risk factors for latex sensitization in young MMC patients include frequent CICs, a history of untethering, circumcision, and barium enemas conducted with non-latex-free equipment.
- Implementing latex-free protocols, including gloves and catheters, and utilizing specific equipment during procedures can mitigate the risk of latex sensitization.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Herniated Intervertebral Disc l: Introduction
01:28Amebiasis