Latex allergy in Saudi children with spina bifida

BACKGROUND: Children with spina bifida (SB) are exposed to latex soon after birth during bladder catheterization, rectal disimpaction, and multiple surgical procedures. IgE-mediated latex-allergic reactions have been reported recently in these children. Our study was designed to assess the prevalence of allergic reactions to latex products in a group of Saudi Arabian children with SB in a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients, aged 1-20 years, with SB were evaluated by a questionnaire on type of latex reactions; family and personal history of other allergic disorders, such as asthma, rhinitis, and urticaria; type and number of surgical procedures; and frequency of bladder catheterization and manipulation with latex materials. Confirmation of latex sensitivity was measured by skin prick test (SPT), CAP test, and latex skin challenge. RESULTS: Allergy to latex was detected in 25% of the study group. There was a significant variation in allergic reaction by sex (males 42%, females 12%) (P<0.01), use of catheters (yes 38%, no 13%) (P<0.05), and urologic surgery (yes 60%, no 18%) (P<0.01). The number of surgical procedures, age of patient, and V-P shunt were not significantly related to allergic reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support previous studies indicating a high prevalence of latex allergy among SB patients. The CAP test was a more sensitive measure of latex allergy in SB patients than SPT or latex challenge. There was significant correlation with urologic procedures and the use of urethral catheters.