Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to investigate asthmatic responses induced by natural rubber latex and to assess the long-term respiratory consequences of latex-induced asthma after removal from exposure. METHODS: This report describes the clinical and immunologic study of six nurses with work-related respiratory and skin disorders induced by the use of latex gloves. To determine whether the symptoms induced by latex gloves were IgE-mediated, we assessed latex IgE antibody levels by skin prick tests (SPTs) and RASTs with latex extracts. To confirm work-related latex reactions, we assessed respiratory symptoms, skin reactions, and FEV1 after a glove exposure test and an inhalation provocation test with latex gloves. All subjects were followed up for 7 months to 7 years after the first observation. RESULTS: All subjects had positive SPT and RAST responses to latex extracts, positive double prick test responses to latex gloves, and negative SPT responses to cornstarch and common allergens. Ten atopic and 10 nonatopic control subjects had negative SPT responses to latex and cornstarch extracts and negative double prick test responses to latex gloves. In three subjects latex allergy was associated with allergy to fruit (banana and chestnut). After the glove exposure test, four of six subjects had contact urticaria, all had rhinoconjunctivitis, and two had a late asthmatic response. The inhalation provocation test was performed on four subjects: all had rhinoconjunctivitis, two had urticaria and late asthmatic response, and one had laryngeal edema. A late asthmatic response was recorded in four subjects. Three subjects continued to have chronic asthma, and four subjects had increased nonspecific bronchial responsiveness 7 months to 7 years after being assigned to duties not involving latex gloves. CONCLUSIONS:
|
Authors | G Brugnami, A Marabini, A Siracusa, G Abbritti |
Journal | The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology
(J Allergy Clin Immunol)
Vol. 96
Issue 4
Pg. 457-64
(Oct 1995)
ISSN: 0091-6749 [Print] United States |
PMID | 7560655
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Latex
- Methacholine Chloride
- Immunoglobulin E
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Asthma
(diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
- Bronchial Provocation Tests
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Gloves, Surgical
- Humans
- Hypersensitivity
(complications, diagnosis, physiopathology)
- Hypersensitivity, Delayed
(diagnosis, etiology, physiopathology)
- Immunoglobulin E
(analysis, immunology)
- Latex
(immunology)
- Male
- Methacholine Chloride
- Occupational Diseases
- Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
- Respiration
- Skin Tests
- Time Factors
|