[Anaphylaxis caused by latex contamination from the wrapper of the cannula plaster]

A patient with pronounced latex allergy was admitted to hospital because of suspected drug allergy. He developed an anaphylactic reaction manifesting with skin reactions and difficulties in breathing immediately after an intravenous cannula was applied, although the doctor was wearing latex-free gloves. The envelope of the plaster with which the cannula was fixed was found to be the source of the latex responsible for the anaphylactic reaction. Latex contact with the skin was due either to latex contamination of the doctor's hands when opening the envelope or to the plaster itself. The case report demonstrates the difficulties arising both from the clinical reaction pattern of type I reactions to latex and from strict avoidance of latex-containing products and points out the necessity of latex declaration.