Prevalence and risk factors of latex sensitization in an unselected pediatric population

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of latex sensitization has been investigated in population groups considered at high risk, but it has not been systematically surveyed among the general population. Objective: We sought to determine the prevalence of and the risk factors associated with latex sensitization in a general pediatric population. Methods: We investigated 1175 children (mean age ± SD, 105 ± 17.5 months) in 11 elementary schools in Tuscany (Italy). All parents answered a questionnaire, and children underwent skin prick tests (SPTs) with latex, six aeroallergens ( Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus , D. farinae , cat, grass pollen, Alternaria tenuis , and Parietaria judaica ), three food allergens (milk, egg white, and wheat), and three insect venoms (honeybee, wasp, and Polistes ). Results: Eight subjects (0.7%; mean age ± SD, 123 ± 9.28 months) had positive SPT responses to latex. No children showed allergic reactions to latex. One or more positive SPT responses to aeroallergens were present in 340 children (28.9%); one or more positive SPT responses to food allergens were present in 26 (2.2%); one or more positive SPT responses to aeroallergens, food allergens, or both were present in 353 (30.0%); and one or more positive SPT responses to one or more insect venoms were present in 43 subjects (3.7%). Significant ( p < 0.05) risk factors associated with latex sensitization included: positive SPT responses to aeroallergens, food allergens, or both; a positive response to one or more insect venoms; a positive response to mite, milk, egg white, wheat, honeybee venom, wasp venom, Polistes venom, or a combination thereof; and increased age. Conclusion: This report shows a very low prevalence of latex sensitization with an absence of clinical symptoms to latex. This study demonstrates a significant association between latex sensitization and the presence of one or more positive SPT responses to aeroallergens, food allergens, or both; one or more positive SPT responses to one or more insect venoms; and increased age. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1998;101:621-5.)