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Comparison of questionnaire-based and serological screening for natural latex allergy in children with neurogenic
G Zöller1, F Thermann, S Conrad
1Department of Urology, University of Göttingen, Germany. gzoeller@med.uni-goettingen.de
Insights
Serological testing for latex-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) alongside patient history can better identify sensitization in children with congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction. This approach aids in identifying at-risk patients for natural latex allergy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy
- Urology
- Immunology
Background:
- Congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction often requires medical interventions, increasing potential exposure to natural latex.
- Sensitization to natural latex can lead to allergic reactions, posing a risk to affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of natural latex sensitization in children with congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
- To compare the effectiveness of patient history versus serological testing in identifying latex sensitization.
Main Methods:
- A study included 50 children (6 months–17 years) with congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
- Methods involved patient/family history questionnaires, screening for inhalational allergens, and measuring total and latex-specific serum immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Main Results:
- Five children reported latex allergy history; 16 had atopic disposition or other allergies.
- Ten children showed elevated latex-specific IgE; six had no prior latex allergy history.
- Elevated latex-specific IgE correlated with past operations and atopic history, but not clean intermittent catheterization.
Conclusions:
- Patient history alone may underestimate latex sensitization in this population.
- Integrating serological testing for latex-specific IgE improves the identification of at-risk children.
- This combined approach enhances screening for natural latex allergy in pediatric neurogenic bladder dysfunction.
Objective:
We evaluated the prevalence of sensitization to natural latex in children with congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction by patient history and serological examinations.
Method:
50 consecutive children aged from 6 months to 17 years were included into the study which comprised questionnaires of patient and family histories, serological screening tests for common inhalational allergens (CAP SX1), and determination of total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and of latex-specific serum IgE by solid-phase immunoassays.
Results:
5 children had a history of allergic reactions to natural latex; a history of atopic disposition or allergic reactions other than to latex was present in 16 children. In 10 children, latex-specific IgE levels were elevated: > 0.35 kU/l; 6 out of these 10 children had no history of allergic reactions to latex. Elevated latex-specific IgE values were statistically correlated with the number of past operations (p < 0.006) and a history of atopic or allergic reactions (p < 0.0067). Clean intermittent catheterization, however, was not associated with an increased risk of latex allergy (p = 0.408).
Conclusion:
When screening children with congenital neurogenic bladder dysfunction for sensitization to natural latex, serological examinations of latex-specific IgE in addition to patient history may better identify patients at risk.