[Case of latex allergy manifested during cesarean section]

A 26-year-old G1P0 woman with past history of bronchial asthma underwent emergency cesarean section for non-reassuring fetal status under spinal anesthesia. She had not had surgery before. Thirteen minites after the start of the procedure, she started complaining of flushing and itching of her hands and mouth. We suspected anaphylactic reaction due to cefazolin, but after a thorough work up, it turned out that the symptom was manifestation of latex allergy. She had worked as a dental assistant and, had experienced mouth swelling by touching latex gloves. But she had not recognized it as a symptom of latex allergy. After the discharge from the hospital, she experienced food allergy. It is known that several antigens which cause latex allergy share common structures with defense related proteins of plants. It is to be noticed that, patients sensitized by those defense related proteins by plants intake, may develop latex allergy even though they are not considered to be high risk group from relevant occupational exposure and, co-morbid conditions. We should consider latex allergy as one of the causes of shock during intraoperative period even when the possibility of latex allergy seems scant.