Natural rubber latex allergy and asthma.

Abstract

Allergic responses to natural rubber latex (NRL) continue to be reported. In adults, the major exposure is in the occupational setting, especially in relation to NRL glove use by health care workers. Issues addressed over the past year include improving diagnostic methods for NRL allergy and characterization of NRL allergens relevant to various exposure groups and evaluating strategies for prevention and early detection of NRL allergy. Assessment of in vitro tests show good intertest correlation but lower sensitivity compared with skin test responses. NRL allergens have been further characterized as reported in the past year. Development of recombinant Hev b 3, a major NRL allergen relevant to children with spina bifida, enhances the likelihood for improved diagnostic reagents. Preliminary reports of primary preventive strategies suggest that avoidance of high-protein, powdered gloves in health care facilities can be cost-effective and is associated with a decline in sensitized workers.

• Authors: S M Tarlo
• Journal: Current opinion in pulmonary medicine (Curr Opin Pulm Med) Vol. 7 Issue 1 Pg. 27-31 (Jan 2001) ISSN: 1070-5287 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11140403 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Allergens

Topics

• Allergens (adverse effects)
• Asthma (complications, immunology)
• Female
• Humans
• Incidence
• Latex Hypersensitivity (complications, diagnosis, epidemiology, immunology)
• Male
• Occupational Diseases (prevention & control)
• Patch Tests
• Primary Prevention (methods)
• Prognosis
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Factors