Latex allergy in spina bifida patients: prevalence and surgical implications

We interviewed 93 consecutive children with spina bifida who were scheduled for operation to document (a) the prevalence of latex sensitivity, (b) predictors of anaphylactic reaction, and (c) the risk of type I hypersensitivity reaction perioperatively. Of these patients, 9.7% were clinically allergic. Radioallergosorbent testing (RAST) was 89% sensitive. All patients with known latex allergy were premedicated, and rigorous efforts were made to avoid latex exposure. No intraoperative anaphylactic reactions were noted. One postoperative reaction occurred in a history-positive, RAST-negative patient. We conclude that operation can be performed safely in patients with latex allergy.