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Effects of latex avoidance on latex sensitization, atopy and allergic diseases in patients with spina bifida

K Blumchen1, P Bayer, D Buck

  • 1Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Immunology, Charité University Medicine, Berlin, Germany. nina.bluemchen@charite.de

Allergy
|July 28, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Implementing latex-free protocols in children with spina bifida significantly reduced latex sensitization and allergy. This proactive approach also appears to prevent other allergic conditions by limiting allergen sensitization spread.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
  • Clinical Immunology
  • Spina Bifida Management

Background:

  • Latex-free protocols were introduced for children with spina bifida a decade ago.
  • These measures have coincided with a decrease in latex sensitization and allergy within this at-risk population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of primary latex-free prophylaxis on allergic diseases.
  • To evaluate atopy as an indicator of sensitization spread in pediatric spina bifida patients.

Main Methods:

  • Examined 120 children with spina bifida (current group) operated under latex-free conditions.
  • Assessed latex sensitization, latex allergy, aero- and food allergen sensitization, and allergic diseases.
  • Compared results to a historical group (n=87) and a general population sample (n=12,403).

Main Results:

  • Significantly lower rates of latex sensitization (5% vs 55%) and latex allergy (0.8% vs 37%) in the current group compared to the historic group.
  • Reduced sensitization to aeroallergens (20.8% vs 41.4%) and allergic diseases (15% vs 35%) in the current group.
  • Prevalence of atopy, sensitization, and allergic diseases in the current group mirrored that of the general population.

Conclusions:

  • Latex avoidance in spina bifida patients effectively prevents latex sensitization and allergy.
  • This strategy also appears to inhibit sensitization to other allergens and reduce allergic diseases.
  • Prevention of sensitization spreading is a likely mechanism behind these broader protective effects.
Abstract

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