Background: latex allergy occurs mainly in people exposed to latex products because of their occupation or because of repeated surgery. Atopy is a strong predisposing factor. Identification of latex sensitive individuals can be life saving.
Methods: to investigate the incidence of latex hypersensitivity, 212 children with atopic disease, 85 with neural tube defects and 200 normal children aged 2 to 14 years were interviewed and prick skin tests were performed.
Results: latex allergy was found in 10.8% of atopic children, 30.5% of children with neural tube defects, and 1% of normal children. Latex allergy incidence in operated children with neural tube defects was found 3.5 times more frequently in compare with non-operated patients.
Conclusions: atopic children and children with neural tube defects should carefully be followed up for latex allergy specially if recurring itching, urticaria, eczema, rhinitis and eye symptoms are present.