 |
|
Natural Rubber Latex Allergy
A Problem of Interdisciplinary Concern in Medicine
Randolf Brehler, MD;
Birgitta Kütting, MD
Arch Intern Med. 2001;161:1057-1064.
In the past 10 years, IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex has
become a significant health problem in industrialized countries, especially
among health care workers, patients with congenital malformations, and children
with a history of multiple surgical interventions. Curative treatment inducing
immunological tolerance in formerly sensitized patients is experimental and
not yet generally available. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the
seriousness of latex allergy and to understand the risk factors leading to
this allergy. Preventive measures are needed to decrease the incidence of
natural rubber latex sensitization. This article gives a brief review of the
current state of knowledge concerning latex allergy, including a definition
of latex, epidemiological data, identified allergens,
the clinical spectrum, diagnostic procedures, cross-reactions, preventive
measures, the legislative background, and economics.
From the Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Germany.
RELATED ARTICLE
Archives of Internal Medicine Reader's Choice: Continuing Medical Education
Arch Intern Med. 2001;161(8):1120-1121.
FULL TEXT
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES
Latex Allergy: An Update
Hepner and Castells
Anesth. Analg. 2003;96:1219-1229.
FULL TEXT
|
