[Latex hypersensitivity in children]

Latex (natural rubber), which is obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis tree, is known to cause contact urticaria and aggravate pre-existing atopic dermatitis. We present a 4.5 year-old boy with bladder exstrophy and epispadias who developed generalized urticaria and bronchospasm during general anesthesia prior to correction of the epispadias. He had undergone previous urologic operations uneventfully. Allergic evaluation revealed atopy with specific IgE antibodies against latex. Immediate skin tests performed with the medications given during the general anesthesia were negative, supporting the possibility that his anaphylactic reaction was caused by exposure to latex during intubation and ventilation. Similar cases have recently been described, especially in children with congenital urogenital abnormalities who are frequently exposed to latex (catheters, surgical gloves). Exposure to latex in these children should be minimized. In addition, they should be prepared with orally administered corticosteroids and antihistamine medication prior to operation.