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Prevalance of latex sensitization and associated risk factors in Turkish children with spina bifida
E Ozkaya1, Y Coskun, Y Turkmenoglu
1Department of Pediatrics, Vakif Gureba Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. minozkaya@yahoo.com
Insights
This study found a 16% latex sensitization rate in children with spina bifida in Turkey, lower than in Europe or the USA. Factors like operations and shunts were linked to sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Spina Bifida Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- High prevalence of latex allergy reported in Europe and USA for children with spina bifida.
- Need to investigate latex sensitization in the Middle-Eastern region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of latex sensitization in children with spina bifida in Istanbul, Turkey.
- To identify risk factors associated with latex sensitization in this population.
Main Methods:
- Eighty children with spina bifida underwent skin prick tests and IgE level measurements.
- Data collected included demographics, atopy history, and surgical details (neurosurgical, urological, orthopedic).
- Specific focus on intermittent bladder catheterization and ventricular-peritoneal shunt usage.
Main Results:
- 16% (13/80) of patients exhibited latex sensitization (specific IgE > 0.7 kU/L).
- Significant associations found between latex sensitization and the number of operations.
- Intermittent bladder catheterization and ventricular-peritoneal shunt use were identified as risk factors.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of latex sensitization in this Turkish cohort is lower than previously reported.
- Environmental factors, including surgical procedures and geographical location, may influence latex sensitization development.
- Further research is needed to understand regional variations in latex allergy prevalence.
Purpose:
Among children with spina bifida there is a high prevalence of latex allergy in reports from Europe and USA. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of latex sensitization and associated risk factors in children with spina bifida in Middle-Eastern region (Istanbul, Turkey).
Materials And Methods:
Eighty consecutive children affected with spina bifida were included in the study. Data were collected about age, sex, family and personal history of atopy, and the number and type of operations classified as neurosurgical, urological, and orthopedic. All patients underwent skin prick test using latex solutions and cross-reacting foods. Total and latex-specific IgE levels were also measured.
Results:
Latex sensitization was shown in 16% (13/80) of the patients with specific IgE > 0.7 kU/L. The number of operation, using intermittent bladder catheterization and ventricular-peritoneal shunt were significantly associated with latex sensitization.
Conclusion:
The incidence of latex sensitization in this study was lower than reported in the literature. Environmental factors such as the type and number of operations and geographical location may play a role in the development of latex sensitization.
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