Latex allergy

The purpose of this study was to assess the mechanical properties--torsional moment, maximum angular deflection, maximum bending moment, and permanent angular deflection--of four brands of nickel-titanium (NiTi) endodontic file, and compare them with a conventional stainless-steel instrument, both in the presence and absence of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). NiTi instruments from four manufacturers were randomly selected and subjected to NaOCl treatment for 12 or 48 h, or not at all. The mechanical properties under test were then measured automatically by a digital torque memocouple. Torsional moment and maximum angular deflection indicate the resistance to torsional fracture of an instrument, maximum bending moment the stiffness of the instrument, and permanent angular deflection the strength of the base alloy. All instruments evaluated complied with or exceeded ADA/ANSI Specification No. 28, with the sole exception of the Maillefer ISO size 40 for torsional moment. JS Dental and McSpadden NiTi files were the most resistant to torsional fracture, but all NiTi files were inferior when compared with stainless-steel files from a previous study. However, NiTi files were superior in flexibility, and Maillefer and Brasseler instruments were the best of the instruments tested. NiTi files also had negligible permanent deformation angles. Furthermore, for all properties tested, NaOCl had no statistically significant effect.     

Latex allergy in health services workers

The studies were performed in 20 workers from the Health Service (13 women and 7 men in the age 25-57) suffering from hand urticaria (6 persons) and hand dermatitis (14 persons) suspected of the allergy to latex gloves. In all patients the familial and personal predispositions to allergy were evaluated by the anamnesis, the estimation of total IgE serum level and the skin prick tests (SPT) with inhalant allergens. The latex allergy was diagnosed by SPT and contact test with standardized extract of the natural latex allergen in the concentration 1000 PNU/ml (Nexter-Allergopharma) and by estimation of specific to latex IgE serum level. In addition to this, contact tests with glove's material as well European standard contact allergens (Hermal) were done and the one with antiseptic substances to which the patient was exposed at his work. The allergy type I to latex gloves was confirmed in all 6 cases with contact urticaria. The SPT with standard extract of the natural latex was more valuable than latex specific IgE in the serum. Contact allergy (type IV) to latex gloves was confirmed in 10 from 14 suspected cases. In the next 4 the allergy to antiseptic substances was the reasons of the illness. The allergy to latex gloves appears more often in women. No case showed the familial predisposition to allergy and only 4 patients additionally suffered from the allergy to pollen and mites. Moreover in both groups of patients we showed the presence of the additional contact allergy to different allergens (to metals and antiseptic substances).     

Latex allergy: a life-threatening complication

Bone mineralization of healthy preterm infants fed human milk were compared with that of similar fed preterm formula. Bone mineralization was studied by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 43 preterm infants divided into two groups; 21 preterm infants were fed with maternal breast milk and 22 preterm infants with a preterm formula containing 70 mg calcium and 35 mg phosphorus per decilitre. CONCLUSION: Preterm infants fed breast milk had lower bone mineral density than the preterm formula-fed group. Fortifying preterm human milk with calcium and phosphorus will improve bone mineralization in preterm infants.     

Latex allergy in health care workers

Since the 1980s, universal precautions have been instituted to protect against bloodborne infections. However, protective equipment can cause allergic sensitization, with the potential for severe and even life-threatening reactions. Latex gloves, in particular, have been problematic.     

Latex allergy: implementation of an agency program

Allergy to latex has been increasing in both the healthcare consumer and healthcare provider populations over the past decade. Realizing that sensitivity/allergy to latex is an issue for both patients and staff, the authors created an interdisciplinary task force to address latex safety in a healthcare agency that provides care within inpatient, public health, and outpatient settings. In this article, the authors discuss allergic response to latex and testing for latex sensitivity as well as latex allergy in the general population, among patient populations, and among healthcare providers. The authors outline the development of a latex-free product cart, an agency policy and procedure, and staff and patient education strategies.     

Latex allergy: a growing problem in health care

Incidence of latex allergy appears to be growing among health-care professionals. More research is required into prevalence and prevention strategies. Nurses should minimize their risk of sensitisation by wearing latex gloves only when necessary. Employers and the DoH need to take steps to minimise the problem.     

Latex allergy: a problem for both healthcare professionals and patients

Immediate hypersensitivity responses to natural rubber latex (NRL) products have been recognized with increasing frequency in North America since 1989. The allergic response occurs to one or more NRL proteins, resulting in contact urticaria, angioedema, allergic rhinitis, asthma, or anaphylaxis. Early recognition of sensitization to NRL is crucial to prevent the occurrence of life-threatening reactions in sensitized healthcare providers and their patients.     

Latex allergy: allergen identification in Hevea braziliensis fractions by immunoblotting

BACKGROUND: Latex is the cause of several clinical symptoms of allergy, but the identification of allergens is not completely known. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this report was to study the immunoreactivity of purified stable latex fractions from Hevea braziliensis. METHODS: We purified the cytoplasm of Hevea braziliensis and obtained three fractions: latex particles (LP), lutoids (L) and cytosolic serum (CS). Using Western blot, specific IgE directed to latex allergens was found in 80 patients with latex allergy. RESULTS: Five major groups of allergens migrating as 14, 25, 29, 37-45 and 50 kDa were recognized. They were unequally distributed with the latex fractions: 37-45 kDa proteins were essentially recognized in CS and LP, whereas 14 and 29 kDa proteins were mainly labelled in the L fraction. As a control, aqueous glove extracts exhibited a more restricted pattern of reactivity, because only 14 and 29 kDa proteins were recognized by patient sera. The pattern of reactivity was not correlated specifically with IgE levels, but sera from patients suffering from spina bifida reacted specifically with the minor protein of 25 kDa located in LP. CONCLUSIONS: The present results show that latex allergic patients recognize several allergens which are differently distributed in subcellular fractions extracted from H. braziliensis and aqueous GE. The L fraction and GE were enriched in low molecular weight proteins and apparently contained the same allergens.     

Latex allergy: a relevant issue in the general pediatric population

Although latex allergy is a widely recognized problem of the pediatric myelomeningocele population and of frequent users of latex products, it is often overlooked in the general pediatric population. The prevalence of latex in common household items and in medical environments increases one's exposure and thus one's possibility of sensitization to latex. Latex allergy may range from mild local reactions such as erythema to more severe systemic reactions such as asthma or anaphylaxis. The immunoglobulin E-mediated mechanism of these reactions has been confirmed serologically by the presence of latex-specific immunoglobulin E with radioallergosorbent testing. Because avoidance of latex is currently the only way to prevent reactions, the identification of household items that contain latex is extremely important. However, because inadvertent exposure to latex is not uncommon, Medic-Alert bracelets and an Epi-Pen should be provided for children allergic to latex. Pediatric nurses should consider latex allergy as a possible diagnosis in situations of unexplained allergic or anaphylactic reactions and should be aware of optimal therapeutic interventions.     

Latex allergy in patients with spinal dysraphism: the role of multiple surgery

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether multiple surgery is responsible for the high prevalence of latex hypersensitivity in patients with spinal dysraphism by comparing the results of a skin-prick test in three groups of patients with different surgical histories. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An in vivo diagnostic kit was used to determine the sensitivity to latex using a skin-prick test in three groups of patients, 23 with spinal dysraphism who had undergone surgery, 20 patients who had undergone non-urological surgery and urological patients who had not undergone surgery (control). There was no history of latex allergy in any individual from the three groups. RESULTS: The skin-test was positive in six patients with spinal dysraphism, in one who had undergone previous non-urological surgery and in none of the control patients. The prevalence of latex hypersensitivity was significantly higher in patients with spinal dysraphism than in the other groups (non-urological surgery P < 0.05 and control P < 0.01). This difference occurred despite the patients in each surgical group having undergone a mean of less than two operations. There was no significant difference in latex sensitivity between control patients and those undergoing non-urological surgery. CONCLUSION: Despite having no history of latex hypersensitivity, about a quarter of patients with spinal dysraphism were sensitive to latex. Repeated surgery alone cannot be responsible for the greater incidence of latex hypersensitivity in these patients. Despite multiple surgery being accepted as playing a major role in the development of latex hypersensitivity, relatively fewer surgical episodes than reported previously seem to be sufficient to elicit latex allergy.     

Latex allergy. Considerations for the care of pediatric patients and employee safety

Certain groups of patients and health care workers are at high risk for developing latex allergy. In the perioperative arena, there is an increased risk for this allergy due to the mode and frequency of latex exposure. Using a multidisciplinary team approach, nurses must institute policies and procedures for precautions to take with latex to ensure that patients and employees remain in a safe environment. Through education, research and collaboration with industry and health care professionals, latex sensitization can be minimized, and latex allergic reactions avoided.     

Latex allergy in patients with myelodysplasia and in health care providers: a double jeopardy

Latex-associated allergic reactions have been increasingly reported since first recognized as a potential problem. Allergic reactions are discussed, nonlatex products suggested, and preventative efforts outlined.