Reported latex sensitivity in pediatric dental patients from hospital- and dental school-based populations

A number of intraoperative anaphylactic reactions to latex occur in pediatric patients. To determine the frequency and characteristics of latex reactions in pediatric dental patients, a 32-item survey was completed by consenting parental interview at three pediatric dental clinics. Two were hospital-based, specializing in dental care for chronically ill or disabled children. The other was a dental school clinic. A total of 290 surveys were completed, in approximately equal numbers from each of the three clinics. Of the total, 2.7% reported a history of adverse reactions to latex contact. All adverse reactions were reported from the two hospital-based clinics. The rate from the hospital-based clinic specializing in the care of orthopedic and neurologically compromised children (Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, Dallas, TX) was 5.7%. The rate reported from the hospital-based clinic for chronically ill children (Children's Medical Center, Dallas, TX) was 2.0%. A history of eczema, a familial history of allergies, and a history of multiple surgical procedures were significantly more common (P < 0.05) in the population reporting adverse reactions to latex. No adverse latex reactions were reported in the one-third of the pediatric population described as normal, healthy children. Adverse reactions were more common in medically compromised children, particularly those with histories of spina bifida and/or multiple surgical procedures.