Prevalence Of Latex Sensitization Research Articles

The prevalence of latex sensitivity among operating room personnel: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Aims: Latex sensitivity has been a concern for health-care workers in recent years. Due to the excessive exposure to latex products in the operating room, the personnel of this department are exposed to high sensitivity to these products. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of latex sensitivity among operating room personnel. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis conducted based on a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis checklist. The present study researchers explored four international databases, namely Medline/PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus, and Embase in February 2020. The selected keywords for international databases were classified into three categories (a) operating room personnel, (b) latex sensitivity, and (c) prevalence. The collected data were entered into the EndNote X8 software and analytical analysis was performed by STATA statistical software version 12. Results: Seventy-five articles were found by searching for databases. After several screening steps, 12 articles entered the final analysis. The results show that the prevalence of latex sensitivity in total is 14.76 (confidence interval 95%: 9.27–20.25). Meta-regression results showed that the relationship between the years of study and the prevalence of latex sensitivity is not statistically significant (P = 0.222). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed that sensitivity to latex is significantly prevalent among operating room staff. Due to the importance of sterility and sensitive working conditions in the operating room, as well as frequent contact with latex products, it is important to pay attention to the side effects caused by latex powder.

Alergia al látex, puesta al día

El látex o caucho natural es un producto vegetal que se obtiene de la savia de la Hevea brasiliensis. Ampliamente utilizado para la fabricación de productos de uso doméstico (guantes, preservativos, globos, etc.) y del área de la salud, donde se estima que el 50% de los artículos médicos contienen látex.La alergia al látex es un problema de salud mundial. Se estima que la prevalencia de sensibilización al látex en población general es del 1%. Clínicamente, puede generar una reacción de hipersensibilidad tipo I, IgE mediada, en respuesta a las proteínas del látex que se manifiesta como una urticaria hasta la anafilaxia. También se describe dermatitis de contacto irritativa y la dermatitis de contacto alérgica, 12 a 96 horas luego del contacto, por una reacción de hipersensibilidad retardada tipo IV, secundaria a los aditivos del látex. El diagnóstico se basa en la sospecha clínica, confirmado con pruebas cutáneas y medición de IgEs específicas. Realizar una anamnesis que permita sospechar una alergia al látex y si se determina que el paciente tiene riesgo, realizar el estudio complementario para confirmar el diagnóstico. El enfrentamiento se basa en la prevención de la exposición y el tratamiento de la reacción aguda. Es necesario conocer los alérgenos y procesos implicados en la alergia al látex pues de este modo se podrá sospechar e identificar a pacientes o funcionarios que puedan sufrir o estar en riesgo de presentarla, disminuyendo de este modo las posibles complicaciones.

Prevalence of latex allergy among healthcare workers in Izmir (Turkey).

The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy among healthcare employees and identify sensitive individuals. A total of 1,115 healthcare workers (HCWs) employed in Izmir Tepecik Education and Research Hospital participated in the study. Information on age, gender, occupation, history of allergy, and complaints were collected through a questionnaire. Serum latex-specific IgE level was determined. Among HCWs enrolled in the study, prevalence of latex sensitization was determined as 4.2%. More frequent occurrence of latex allergy was detected among nurses. Family history of allergy and history of personal food allergy were significantly more often noted among individuals with latex allergy. Latex is considered to be the leading source of occupational health problems.

Surgical gloves: Handle with care

Nurse PrescribingVol. 12, No. 5 NewsSurgical gloves: Handle with careSteve AinsworthSteve AinsworthSearch for more papers by this authorSteve AinsworthPublished Online:8 May 2014https://doi.org/10.12968/npre.2014.12.5.220AboutSectionsView articleView Full TextPDF/EPUB ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail View article References Grzybowski M, Ownby DR, Rivers EP,et al. (2002) The prevalence of latex-specific IgE in patients presenting to an urban emergency department. Ann Emerg Med 40(4): 411–9 Crossref, Google ScholarPhaswana SM, Naidoo S (2013) The prevalence of latex sensitisation and allergy and associated risk factors among healthcare workers. BMJ Open 3: e002900. doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002900. Crossref, Google Scholar FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails 1 May 2014Volume 12Issue 5ISSN (print): 1479-9189ISSN (online): 2052-2924 Metrics History Published online 8 May 2014 Published in print 1 May 2014 Information© MA Healthcare LimitedPDF download

Latex sensitization and risk factors in female nurses in Thai governmental hospitals

Exposure to latex allergens in latex gloves can cause occupational health problems in nurses, yet latex gloves are still widely used in Thai hospitals. Therefore, we conducted a study to determine the prevalence of latex sensitization in nurses and identify risk factors associated with sensitization. A questionnaire, providing information on personal characteristics, ill-health, working conditions and symptoms related to latex product use, was administered to 363 female nurses working in two tertiary hospitals in southern Thailand. Latex sensitization was confirmed using a solid phase immunoassay to detect anti-latex IgE antibodies. Total glove protein levels were determined by using a modified Lowry method and latex aeroallergens by a competitive inhibition immunoassay. The overall prevalence of latex sensitization was 4.4%. Respiratory symptoms related to latex glove use were significantly associated with latex sensitization (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 1.57-19). Total glove protein levels ranged 87.8-250.8 μg protein/dm(2). The prevalence of latex sensitization was higher (6.6% vs. 2.2%) in the hospital where gloves with higher protein levels (82-438 μg/g vs. 86-170 μg/g) were used. Furthermore, latex sensitization prevalence increased from 3% to 5% with increased average departmental aeroallergen concentrations. Latex sensitization prevalence in Thai nurses was higher than previously reported. Respiratory exposure seems to play an important role, in addition to dermal exposure. If latex gloves cannot be replaced by non-latex alternatives, replacement with gloves with lower protein content should be considered.

The prevalence of latex sensitisation and allergy and associated risk factors among healthcare workers using hypoallergenic latex gloves at King Edward VIII Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe present study describes latex sensitisation and allergy prevalence and associated factors among healthcare workers using hypoallergenic latex gloves at King Edward VIII Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingA tertiary...

372 Natural rubber latex aeroallergen exposure and allergy among female nurses in governmental hospitals, Thailand

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of latex allergy in nurses and to determine occupational risk factors.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 899 female nurses from...

515 Prevalence of Latex Sensitization Between Medicine and Dentistry Students from Nuevo Leon University

BackgroundLatex allergy has become an important health problem in the last 2 decades. Sensitization in general population is about 1%.1 Healthcare workers have a frequency of 2% to 25%.2 There is not information about this issue in Mexico. Our objective was to know and compare prevalence of latex sensitization in last grade medicine and dentistry students of the Nuevo Leon University.MethodsThis was an observational, prospective and comparative study. Last grade medicine and dentistry students were invited to participate. Spanish version of the Latex Allergy Questionnaire (ACAAI recommended) and skin tests for latex: prick test (SPT) (latex extract Allerstand 1:20 w/v), prick by prick (PBPT) (latex gloves) were performed in every patient. Positive control was histamine 10 mg/mL and glycerinated solution for negative control (allerstand) using duotip test disponsable. SPT and PBPT were read 15 min after application and positive result were interpreted as a wheal diameter of 3 mm more than negative control. Data were analyzed for demographics with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS v16.0), for comparison between groups of sensitized patients fisher exact test was performed.ResultsStudy included 378 patients, 213 (56.3%) dentistry students and 165 (43.7%) medicine students. Male/female ratio was 1.2/1 for medicine and 0.36/1 for dentistry. Average age was 23 years in both groups. General sensitization to latex was 7.1% (27), per group medicine was 6% (10) and dentistry 7.9% (17). Almost to all commercial extract, only one patient in each group was positive to gloves PBPT. By questionnaire 10.9% medicine group and 17.3% of dentistry group report symptoms with latex, but only 14.8% of dentistry group was Skin test positive, no one in medicine group. Rhinitis or conjunctivitis symptoms were found in 48.1% of sensitized patients. Most frequent foods associated with symptoms were pineapple (2.6%), fig (2.1%), avocado (1.9%) and kiwifruit (1.6%). There was no statistical difference between both groups sensitization (P = 0.549).ConclusionsLatex sensitization was more common in healthcare students than references in general population but symptoms referred to latex no always are demonstrated by IgE sensitization, so delayed mechanism must be take in to account to get a better diagnosis and treatment approach.

Glove-related latex allergy amongst nursing staff in governmental hospitals, Thailand

ObjectivesUsing powdered latex gloves (PLG) can cause health problems amongst healthcare workers. Replacement of PLGs with powder-free or non-latex gloves can reduce the incidence of these problems. However, in Thailand...

Prevention of IgE Sensitization to Latex in Health Care Workers After Reduction of Antigen Exposures

To investigate occupational latex allergy in health care workers (HCWs) before and after an intervention designed to reduce latex allergen exposure from gloves. Latex antigen concentrations in work area air ducts were measured before the intervention. Symptoms and latex sensitization were monitored annually before and after the intervention in 805 HCWs, using questionnaires and skin prick testing. The prevalence of latex sensitization before the intervention correlated with air duct latex antigen measurements, for HCWs exposed to low (9/413, 2%), intermediate (23/292, 8%), and high (11/67, 16%) antigen levels, P < 0.0001. After the intervention, new latex sensitization rates declined 16-fold, and 25% of previously sensitized employees reverted to negative skin tests. Airborne antigen exposure is a major source of latex sensitization among HCWs. Use of powder-free latex gloves markedly reduces the risk of sensitization.

Natural Rubber Latex Allergy Among Health Care Workers: Significant Reduction of Sensitization and Clinical Relevant Latex Allergy After Introduction of Powder-free Latex Gloves

RATIONALE: An IgE mediated allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) is a serious health problem. Health care workers are especially at risk due to their frequent contact with rubber gloves. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of NRL sensitization and clinical NRL allergy, among operating room employees, before and ten years after the introduction of non powdered NRL gloves. (1998/2009)METHODS: Surgical NRL glove wearing operating room employees were asked to participate in a cross sectional study at two occasions (1998/2009). Characteristics and work related respiratory allergy symptoms were gathered by means of a questionnaire. Skin prick tests with allergen extracts were performed including latex extract(s) and cross-reacting foods such as kiwi, avocado, banana and common inhalant allergens.RESULTS: In 2009 and in 1998, respectively 187 and 163 employees were eligible to participate in the study. The two groups were comparable concerning e.g. age, gender and job characteristics. In 2009 the prevalence of sensitization was significantly lower compared to 1998 (3.9 % versus 14.1 %). Also clinical relevant NRL allergy was significantly less present in 2009 compared to 1998 (2.2 % versus 9.8%). Atopy was significantly associated with the development of sensitization to NRL.CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a clear indication that the introduction of non powdered latex gloves in 1998 is responsible for the reduction in prevalence of latex sensitization and clinical latex allergy. RATIONALE: An IgE mediated allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) is a serious health problem. Health care workers are especially at risk due to their frequent contact with rubber gloves. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of NRL sensitization and clinical NRL allergy, among operating room employees, before and ten years after the introduction of non powdered NRL gloves. (1998/2009) METHODS: Surgical NRL glove wearing operating room employees were asked to participate in a cross sectional study at two occasions (1998/2009). Characteristics and work related respiratory allergy symptoms were gathered by means of a questionnaire. Skin prick tests with allergen extracts were performed including latex extract(s) and cross-reacting foods such as kiwi, avocado, banana and common inhalant allergens. RESULTS: In 2009 and in 1998, respectively 187 and 163 employees were eligible to participate in the study. The two groups were comparable concerning e.g. age, gender and job characteristics. In 2009 the prevalence of sensitization was significantly lower compared to 1998 (3.9 % versus 14.1 %). Also clinical relevant NRL allergy was significantly less present in 2009 compared to 1998 (2.2 % versus 9.8%). Atopy was significantly associated with the development of sensitization to NRL. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a clear indication that the introduction of non powdered latex gloves in 1998 is responsible for the reduction in prevalence of latex sensitization and clinical latex allergy.

The prevalence of latex allergy in sixth-year medical students: assessment of knowledge, risk, and attitudes about future specialty direction

In the prevention of latex allergy, knowledge levels and risk determination for latex allergy of medical students gain importance. To evaluate the latex allergy knowledge levels of sixth-year medical students and their latex allergy risk. Students completed a questionnaire that assessed basic knowledge of latex allergy and that evaluated latex-related symptoms and latex exposure. The specialty branch students were going to choose in the Medical Specialty Examination was also asked. Skin prick tests (SPTs) with latex and inhalant allergens and patch tests with latex-related products were then performed. Finally, students were asked again about any changes in branch selection after learning their individual risks. Two hundred twenty sixth-year students were enrolled. Forty-four percent of the students gave the right answer for description of latex. Correct identification of at least 1 latex-related product used outside and inside hospitals was 55.5% and 95.5%, respectively. The prevalence of latex sensitization was 4.4% according to SPT results. The positivity of SPT to any inhalant allergen was 35% (n = 64). None of the students changed their mind about their specialty branch after learning their latex allergy risk. Last-year medical students have a remarkably low latex allergy knowledge level, which imposes a serious professional risk. Training strategies based on the benefit to this risk group and reevaluation are strongly recommended before graduation from medical school.

Current prevalence of latex sensitization in children with spina bifida with use of latex precautions

Bifida Meeting abstracts - A single PDF containing all abstracts in this Supplement is available here . http://www. biomedcentral.co m/content/files/ pdf/174 3-8454-4-S1-info .pdf

Latex Allergy within a Cohort of Not-at-Risk Subjects with Respiratory Symptoms: Prevalence of Latex Sensitization and Assessment of Diagnostic Tools

Background: Immunoglobluin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to natural rubber latex (NRL) is a major problem in allergy practice. Currently, the use of skin prick tests (SPTs) with latex extracts and specific IgE detection for the diagnosis of NRL allergy in suspected patients is directed to identification of risk factors. Many cases of NRL allergy remain undiagnosed due to misreporting of symptoms by the patients or lack of proper questions asked by the physician. Materials and Methods: A total of 6,126 subjects referred for respiratory symptoms underwent SPTs with NRL. Positive subjects were resurveyed for exposure to NRL, and specific IgE for NRL extracts and recombinant molecules was determined. Immunoblots of NRL extracts were performed to identify IgE patterns. Results: Forty-six of 3,930 sensitized subjects had a positive SPT with NRL, displaying a prevalence of NRL sensitization of 0.75% for the general and 1.2% for the sensitized population. Eleven out of 46 (23.9%) subjects could be defined as NRL asymptomatic, whereas 35 (76.1%) developed symptoms upon exposure to NRL. Specific IgE to NRL was detected for 22 (75.86%) of 29 tested sera. Seventeen out of 22 (77%) sera displayed specific IgE to recombinant allergens with most reactions to Hev b 5, Hev b 6.01 and Hev b 6.02. Immunoblots of NRL extract fractions with patients’ sera showed heterogeneous patterns. Conclusions: SPTs with NRL extract should be routinely performed in patients with respiratory symptoms. Hev b 5, Hev b 6.01 and Hev b 6.02 are the most important allergens, but further characterization of NRL extracts is needed to identify novel allergens and to clarify the role of crossreactive carbohydrate determinants.

Prevalence of Latex Sensitization and Allergy among handicapped patients

RATIONALE: To determine the prevalence of NRL (natural rubber latex) sensitization and allergy among physically and mentally handicapped patients, we performed a prospective study at the Seishi-Gakuen Child Development Medical Center, Saga-city, Japan.

Prevalence of latex sensitization and allergy in Portuguese children

The prevalence of latex allergy has been increasing not only in risk groups but also in the general population, where it is accepted to average 1%. In children, latex sensitization prevalence studies are scarce and involve different population sampling and allergy testing methods, which makes it difficult to compare across studies. Nevertheless, existing studies point towards a low prevalence of latex allergy in children, which still needs to be confirmed in the Portuguese population. Aiming at studying the prevalence of latex sensitization and allergy in a sample of Portuguese children, we studied 182 children from two different hospital outpatient clinics. A standardized questionnaire focusing on atopic background, previous history and allergic signs or symptoms on exposure to latex or fruits was given to all children and parents. Skin prick testing was performed with a battery of common aeroallergens as well as latex. Serum total IgE, Phadiatop, F x 5E and latex-specific IgE were determined in all children. Specific IgE to latex-crossreacting fruits was determined in latex-sensitized children. Based upon the questionnaire, the prevalence of latex allergy would be 0.5%. The prevalence of latex sensitization would be 3.8%, when based solely upon skin prick testing, and 12.1% (>/=0.35 IU/ml) or 6.6% (>/=0.70 IU/ml) when based singly upon determination of latex-specific IgE. When positive results for either test were considered, the prevalence of latex sensitization was 14.3%. All latex-sensitized children were atopic. Sensitivity to latex-crossreacting foodstuffs was demonstrated in 61.5% of latex-sensitized children (16/26). This study shows that the prevalence of latex allergy and sensitization in Portuguese atopic and non-atopic children, as analysed using various diagnostic methods, is similar to that observed in other countries. In addition, the assessment of latex allergy and sensitization should always include skin prick testing and determination of serum IgE.

Latex Gloves: Time for a Change

No AccessJournal of UrologyEditorial1 Apr 2006Latex Gloves: Time for a Change Jack S. Elder Jack S. ElderJack S. Elder More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5347(06)00060-7AboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail "Latex Gloves: Time for a Change." The Journal of Urology, 175(4), pp. 1193–1194 References 1 : Intraoperative cardiovascular collapse secondary to latex allergy. J Urol1991; 146: 571. Link, Google Scholar 2 : Anaphylaxis associated with latex allergy during barium enema examinations. AJR Am J Roentgenol1991; 156: 903. Google Scholar 3 : Association between latex sensitization and repeated latex exposure in children. Anesthesiology1997; 86: 599. Google Scholar 4 : Patient safety: latex allergy. Surg Clin North Am2005; 85: 1329. Google Scholar 5 : Prevalence of latex sensitization in subjects attending health screening: implications for a perioperative screening. Clin Exp Allergy1997; 27: 413. Google Scholar 6 : Effectiveness of a nationwide interdisciplinary preventive programme for latex allergy. Int Arch Occup Environ Health2005; 78: 394. Google Scholar © 2006 by American Urological AssociationFiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 175Issue 4April 2006Page: 1193-1194 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2006 by American Urological AssociationMetricsAuthor Information Jack S. Elder More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF DownloadLoading ...

Latex Sensitisation in Healthcare Workers in Singapore

Introduction: Epidemiological data on latex sensitisation among Asian healthcare workers is lacking. The aim of the study is to determine the rate of latex sensitisation in our healthcare workers. Materials and Methods: We recruited 313 healthcare workers, of which 46.6% were operating theatre staff and 53.4% were non-operating theatre staff. Seventy-one administrative staff served as controls. All participants answered a self-administered questionnaire relating to latex exposure and glove-related symptoms. Latex sensitisation was determined by skin prick testing to latex and latex-specific IgE detection. Results: The prevalence of latex sensitisation among healthcare workers was 9.6%, with no difference between operating theatre and non-operating theatre staff. Glove-related symptoms were reported in 13.7% of all healthcare workers, of which 22.9% were sensitised to latex. Only 26.7% of latex-sensitised healthcare workers had glove-related symptoms while the rest were asymptomatic. The most common symptoms were itch and hand eczema but the most important discriminating symptom was contact urticaria. Personal history of atopy was more common in sensitised healthcare workers (40.0%) compared to non-sensitised workers (31.8%). Only 1 out of 9 (11.2%) symptomatic latex-sensitised subjects had sought previous medical attention for the problem. Conclusions: Latex sensitisation among healthcare workers in Singapore should be considered a significant occupational health risk, as it is in the West. Increased screening and awareness of this problem is essential to identify those at risk.

Prevalence of latex allergy in the community at age 7 years

Latex allergy has been highlighted as a problem in children during the last decade based on a number of case series of children with particular problems such as spina bifida. The actual prevalence of latex allergy in the general United Kingdom population is unclear. To estimate the prevalence of childhood latex allergy in the general population. The Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children is a geographically based cohort that has been prospectively followed since birth. The children were invited for skin prick testing at 7 years of age. Four subjects out of 1877 tested were sensitized to latex. None had a history of clinical reactions to latex. This study suggests that the prevalence of latex sensitization and clinical latex allergy in the general childhood population are very low, 0.2% (95% confidence interval 0.1-0.6%) and 0.0% (0-0.2%), respectively.

Latex Sensitivity in Hematologic and Oncologic Non-Atopic Pediatric Patients

Allergic reactions to latex ranging from contact urticaria to severe anaphylaxis have been reported at increased frequency. These forms of hypersensitivity have affected a large group, including health care workers, workers in the latex industry, and children with spina bifida. This present study has been designed to assess the prevalence of allergic reactions to latex products in a group of pediatric patients with hematologic and oncologic disease. The prevalence of latex sensitization was found to be 20% (n = 6). Latex sensitization was related to the duration of disease (p = 0.05). Our data provide evidence that latex hypersensitivity can be detected in distinct clinical manifestations of those diseases in children. This is the first study that shows pediatric hematologic and oncologic patients have increased risk to latex sensitivity.