Latex allergy: a new threat to patients and health professionals

Because latex products are essential in preventing the transmission of blood-borne diseases, reports of severe, immediate allergic reactions to latex exposure have become a major public health concern. In recent years, immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions to latex have been reported with increasing frequency and have been associated with anaphylaxis and death. The most severe reactions have been reported in the health care setting. Three groups appear to be at highest risk: children with spina bifida or with a history of multiple surgeries, workers with industrial exposure to latex and health care workers. This review presents the scope of this problem in the various risk groups, the different techniques available for diagnosis and the consensus on principles of management. Because latex is a component of many commonly used medical devices, including surgical and examination gloves, it behooves us to identify latex-sensitive patients and be prepared to treat allergic reactions promptly.