[Allergy to latex: an underestimated problem]. / Allergie voor latex: een miskend probleem.

Three patients who showed an allergic reaction to latex products are described. By means of history, skin tests, measurement of IgE antibodies against latex and challenge tests the diagnosis could be established. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases the use of latex gloves and condoms is increasing. Therefore, the incidence of allergic reactions to latex may also rise. Latex allergy should be considered when evaluating 'idiopathic' anaphylaxis during an operation. Moreover, latex allergy may be the cause of occupational rhinitis and asthma.

PIP: Allergy to latex is an underestimated problem. A 28-year old woman developed eye, throat, and tongue irritation with dyspnea and tachycardia. Exanthem ensued on the arms and the patient felt sick. About half an hour later complete recovery occurred. Previously she had regularly had nasal congestion whenever her husband used a condom. The patient had had rhinitis complaints since she was 19 on account of allergy to house dust, cats and dogs. Skin prick tests were conducted to investigate the influence of the condom. A phosphate buffer was laid on the underarm, upon which a piece of a condom of 1 cu. cm was placed. This was pierced with a needle and the surface was raised this way. This test was carried out with washed and unwashed condoms and judged 15 minutes later. At the same time, control tests were also conducted with phosphate buffer and with histamine (mg/ml). An distinct positive reaction developed both to the unwashed and washed condoms. The same tests performed with 3 control persons gave negative reactions. The outcome of the slice test with rubber auxiliary materials of the European standard series was negative. The total immunoglobulin E (IgE) content in the serum amounted to 125 kU/ml. The specific IgE against latex was positive (class 1). The patient later related that she had teary, itchy eyes and runny nose when she blew up an air balloon. By means of history, skin tests, measurement of IgE antibodies against latex (radio-allergo-sorbent test) and challenge tests, the diagnosis could be established. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases the use of latex gloves and condoms is increasing. Therefore, the incidence of allergic reactions to latex may also rise. Latex allergy should be considered when evaluating idiopathic anaphylaxis during an operation. Moreover, latex allergy may be the cause of occupational rhinitis and asthma.

Anaphylaxis due to latex allergy.

An anaphylactic reaction to latex is reported in two patients. One occurred intraoperatively with exposure to the surgeon's latex gloves and the other during vaginal contact with a latex condom. Radioallergosorbent test (RAST) and scratch test with latex material identified the allergen. With the increasing use of latex gloves and condoms, one should be aware of the possibility of a severe immediate hypersensitivity reaction to latex products. Latex allergy should be considered when evaluating intraoperative and idiopathic anaphylaxis.