The analysis of natural history of
allergy to
natural rubber latex (NRL) in health care workers, including the influence of exposure cessation on the clinical status and objective
allergy markers was the objective of the study. The study covered 58 patients with recognised
allergy to NRL. Of this number, 26 were followed up for 2 years after diagnosing NRL
allergy. Medical examination, skin prick tests for common
allergens and NRL, determination of total serum
IgE and NRL-specific
IgE antibodies, rest spirometry and non-specific bronchial hyperactivity test with
histamine were performed. The retrospective analysis of clinical manifestation of NRL
allergy revealed in 36% of patients progression of symptoms from local
urticaria and
rhinitis to systemic reactions. Two years after the cessation of exposure to NRL, symptoms became less severe in the majority of patients and even a clearance of allergic symptoms was observed, as well as the decrease in doses of inhalative glicocorticosteroids was noted. This was accompanied by the decline in non-specific bronchial hyperactivity. Although the skin prick tests showed the tendency to remain positive, the decrease in the level of specific anti-NRL
IgE was found in 10 patients (including the RAST negativisation in one case). In conclusion, clinical progress from NRL-induced contact
urticaria and
allergic rhinitis to systemic reactions was observed only in part of patients with NRL
allergy, which cannot be taken as a rule. Significant reduction of clinical symptoms or even total remission of NRL-allergic symptoms could be observed after exposure cessation.