Prevalence of latex allergy in spina bifida patients in Universitas Academic Hospital
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Date
2020-08
Authors
Mpungana, Z.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
Background: Latex allergy in spina bifida patients has attracted a great deal of interest around the world, especially in Europe and the United States, where it is estimated to be as high as 67%. It is one of the primary reasons for anaphylaxis in the operating theatre, which occurs in about 50% of patients with myelomeningocele. Epidemiology from South Africa is scarce, especially for the Free State province. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of latex sensitivity and latex allergy in a population of patients with spina bifida at Universitas Academic Hospital and to describe associated risk factors. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional observational study was undertaken. A questionnaire gathered information on family and personal history of allergy, number and types of surgeries undergone, history of symptoms caused by contact with latex, previous hospitalisation, and therapy given. Patients with spina bifida participated in the study after parents gave consent. Patients underwent blood tests for total serum immunoglobulin E and specific immunoglobulin E for latex. Patients with negative immunoglobulin were set to undergo skin-prick tests. Results: In total 39 patients diagnosed with spina bifida were assessed, 25 (64%) of whom were male; their ages ranged from 1 to 156 months. Not all patients completed skin-prick tests, due to staff shortages in the dermatology department. Of the 39 patients, 8 (21%) had latex allergy (positive specific IgE and personal history of allergy reaction in contact with latex); 24(61%) were not allergic, and 7 (17%) showed sensitivity, but not allergy. Of the 21% defined as latex allergic, 50% had been operated on more than five times. Conclusion: According to this study, the prevalence of latex allergy and sensitivity in patients with spina bifida at Universitas Academic Hospital is 21% and 17% respectively.
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Keywords
Dissertation (M.Med (Neurosurgery))--University of the Free State, 2020, Myelomeningocele, Latex allergy, Latex sensitivity, Atopy, Anaphylaxis