Abstract

We conducted a study to determine the prevalence of natural rubber latex (latex) hypersensitivity among children living in a chronic care facility and to assess symptoms and demographic and medical risk factors for latex hypersensitivity. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on a population of 50 children with complex medical problems living in a chronic care facility. Latex hypersensitivity was determined by radioallergosorbent assay (RAST). Demographic and medical history data were collected from the medical chart. Twelve (24%) of the children in the cohort tested positive for latex-specific IgE antibodies. Six (50%) had a history of urticaria and all 12 had a history of wheezing. Both symptoms were significantly associated with the presence of latex-specific IgE antibodies by statistical analysis. In chi-square analyses, male sex and presence of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt were significantly associated with latex hypersensitivity. Adjusted for covariates, the presence of a VP shunt i...

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