[An anaphylactic shock reaction caused by latex from medical protective gloves]

In case of IgE-mediated latex allergy, the person wearing medical rubber gloves as well as the patient getting in contact with the gloves' outside may be affected. This is illustrated by the present case reports on two atopic young women. The first patient repeatedly underwent laparotomies and finally, 50 minutes after the onset of another operation, suffered an anaphylactic shock reaction due to transperitoneal latex resorption. The second patient was trained as an assistant in a dentist practice where she suffered more than once from latex contact urticaria as well as collapses. Since these were initiated by globus feeling, an aerogenic route of allergen penetration was assumed. Latex prick testing in this patient resulted in an anaphylactic shock reaction. With regard to these observations the general aspects of intraoperative allergen exposition and safety of latex skin testing are discussed. Recommendations are given for a) the latex test procedure in case of anamnestic suspicion of high-degree sensitisation, b) the issuing of a latex allergy pass, and c) the use of latex-free synthetic gloves.