Natural rubber latex allergy among health care workers: A systematic review of the evidence - 16/08/11
, Antoine Flahault, MD b, Olivier Vandenplas, MD c, Jacques Ameille, MD d, Jean-Jacques Duron, MD e, Corine Pecquet, MD f, Karine Chevrie, PhD g, Isabella Annesi-Maesano, DSc, PhD g
Reprint requests: Jean Bousquet, MD, Clinique des Maladies Respiratoires, Inserm U454, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, University Hospital, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France.Montpellier and Paris, France, and Yvoir, Belgium
Abstract |
Background |
Natural rubber latex is a recognized allergen, but a recent meta-analysis failed to find any association between latex exposure and allergy in health care workers (HCWs).
Objectives |
A meta-analysis was carried out under the auspices of the French National Regulatory Authority to assess the allergic risk induced by latex gloves in HCWs.
Methods |
The risk of work-related exposure to latex for the development of latex allergy was assessed. Prevalence and incidence rates of latex sensitization or allergy were compared in HCWs and in the general population. Exposure-response relationships were assessed in HCWs.
Results |
Latex allergy was found in 4.32% (range, 4.01% to 4.63%) of HCWs and in 1.37% (range, 0.43% to 2.31%) of the general population. Latex-positive skin prick test responses ranged from 2.1% to 3.7% in the general population and from 6.9% to 7.8% for the HCWs. HCWs exposed to latex showed an increased risk of hand dermatitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.46; 95% CI, 2.11-2.86), asthma or wheezing (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.15-2.08), rhinoconjunctivitis (OR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.97-3.81), and at least one generic symptom (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.09-1.47). Sensitization to latex was significantly associated with asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis. By contrast, exposure to latex was not associated with a significantly increased risk of positive skin prick test responses to latex (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.94-2.30).
Conclusion |
HCWs have an increased risk of sensitization and allergic symptoms to latex.
Clinical implications |
Prevention of latex allergy in HCWs is needed.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Key words : Latex allergy, health care workers, IgE, skin test, exposure-response relationship, meta-analysis
Abbreviations used : HCW, NRL, OR
Plan
| Disclosure of potential conflict of interest: A. Flahault has consultant arrangements with Cardinal. The rest of the authors have declared that they have no conflict of interest. |
Vol 118 - N° 2
P. 447-454 - août 2006 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Challenge with environmental tobacco smoke exacerbates allergic airway disease in human beings
- David Diaz-Sanchez, Robert Rumold, Henry Gong
- Pro-oxidative diesel exhaust particle chemicals inhibit LPS-induced dendritic cell responses involved in T-helper differentiation
- Ray Chun-Fai Chan, Meiying Wang, Ning Li, Yoshiki Yanagawa, Kazunori Onoé, James J. Lee, Andre E. Nel
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?