Latex allergy and anaphylaxis in a child undergoing craniofacial surgery

This case report represents an example of latex anaphylaxis in a child with a history of multiple previous surgeries without any complications. Obviously, the patient had not shown evidence of being sensitized until this particular surgery, where she had multiple sources of latex exposure, e.g., Foley catheter, blood pressure cuff, rubber gloves, and clear adhesive tape. If a more careful history had been taken, the diagnosis of latex allergy might have been suspected, for upon further questioning after surgery, the mother reported multiple incidences of urticarial reactions to rubber gloves and clothes with elastic waist bands. In summary, this case report highlights the importance of a careful history and the need for a high index of suspicion of potential latex allergy in children who acquire sensitization to latex because they require multiple surgical procedures for anatomic correction of congenital abnormalities. One week after this episode, the patient returned to the operating room for completion of her surgery. All latex was avoided, and there were no complications.