Latex sensitisation and allergy in children with myelomeningocele

Introduction: Children with spina bifida (SB) have a high degree of exposure to latex products as a consequence of repeated surgical procedures, implantation of latex-containing materials and catheterisation. The consequence is a higher incidence of latex allergic reactions. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of latex sensitisation and allergy in a population of children with myelomeningocele (MMC) and to assess the role of associated risk factors. Results: Forty-eight percent of the patients (29 out of 60) showed a latex sensitisation with specific IgE > 0.7 kU/l while 15% (9 out of 60) were allergic to latex (specific IgE > 0.7 kU/l and clinical manifestations). The principal factor correlated with allergy to latex was specific serum IgE to latex (radioallergosorbent test [RAST]) values (p < 0.01). Other factors were total serum IgE (paper radioimmunosorbent test [PRIST]) values, number of surgical procedures and familiarity with allergy. Conclusion: These results underline the importance of prophylactic measures to avoid the exposure, not only in the sanitary environment, through the institution of latex-safe routes, but also in daily life, to prevent potentially serious allergic reactions.