Latex allergy in patients with myelomeningocele presenting for imaging studies of the urinary tract

We prospectively surveyed patients with myelomeningocele who presented in our department over a 3-month period to determine the frequency of latex allergy in this population. A questionnaire assessed history of allergy to latex and attitudes toward and use or avoidance of latex-containing products i...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Pediatric radiology 1996-07, Vol.26 (7), p.450-454
Main Authors: ZERIN, J. M, MCLAUGHLIN, K, KERCHNER, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Allergic diseases
Biological and medical sciences
Child
Female
Humans
Hypersensitivity - epidemiology
Hypersensitivity - etiology
Immunopathology
Incidence
Male
Medical sciences
Meningomyelocele - complications
Other localizations
Prospective Studies
Risk Factors
Rubber - adverse effects
Surveys and Questionnaires
Urologic Diseases - diagnosis
Urologic Diseases - etiology
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Summary:We prospectively surveyed patients with myelomeningocele who presented in our department over a 3-month period to determine the frequency of latex allergy in this population. A questionnaire assessed history of allergy to latex and attitudes toward and use or avoidance of latex-containing products in both medical and nonmedical environments. Surveys were completed by 118 patients (56 boys, 62 girls; mean age 10.4 years, range 0.6-30.9 years). Seventy-two (61%) had heard of latex allergy and 25 (21%) reported being allergic to latex. Most allergic patients were performing intermittent self-catheterization (92%) and tended to be slightly older (mean age 12.7 years) than those not reporting allergy (mean age 9.8 years). Although most reactions were limited to rashes and mucosal irritation, two patients experienced anaphylaxis with severe respiratory symptoms or hypotension or both. No reactions had occurred in the Department of Radiology. While 84% of patients with previous allergic reactions reported trying to avoid further exposure to latex in the hospital, at home, or in school, only 14% of non-allergic patients took any special precautions. Allergy to latex is common in patients with myelomeningocele who are examined in our department. We have developed a policy designed to prevent exposure of such patients to latex during imaging studies.
ISSN:0301-0449
1432-1998
DOI:10.1007/BF01377199