Abstract
BACKGROUND: Unexplained vascular collapse, airway obstruction, shock, and death after procedures as innocuous as barium enema or anorectal manometry have recently been shown to be due to allergy to latex and anaphylactoid reaction. METHOD: To review existing medical literature on latex anaphylaxis and to determine who is most at risk and what methods might best prevent morbidity from this condition. RESULTS: Those most at risk for this catastrophe are patients whose mucous membranes have been extensively exposed to latex, such as patients with spina bifida who frequently undergo urethral catheterization and individuals who have had many previous operative procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Avoidance of latex exposure is the best prophylaxis in highrisk groups. Prompt resuscitation is critical once the syndrome becomes clinically apparent.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Nutter AF. Contact urticaria to rubber. Br J Dermatol 1979;101:587–8.
Taylor JS, Cassettari J, Wagner W, Helm T. Contact urticaria and anaphylaxis to latex. J Am Acad Dermatol 1989;21:874–7.
Allergic reactions to latex-containing medical devices. FDA Med Bull July 1991;21(2):1–2.
Frosch PJ, Wahl R, Bahmer FA, Maasch HJ. Contact urticaria to rubber gloves is IgE-mediated. Acta Dermatitis 1986;14:241–5.
Sondheimer JM, Pearlman DS, Bailey WC. Systemic anaphylaxis during rectal manometry with a latex balloon. Am J Gastroenterol 1989;84:975–7.
Zenarola P. Rubber latex allergy: unusual complications during surgery. Contact Dermatitis 1989;21:197–8.
Gerber AC, Jorg W, Zbindon S, Seger RA, Dansel PH. Severe intra-operative anaphylaxis to surgical gloves: latex allergy an unfamiliar condition. Anesthesiology 1989;71:800–2.
Moneret-Vautrin DA, Laxenaire MC, Bavoux F. Allergic shock to latex and ethylene oxide during surgery for spina bifida. Anesthesiology 1990;73:556–8.
Swartz JS, Gold M, Braude BM, Dolovich J, Gilmour RF, Shandling B. Intraoperative anaphylaxis to latex: an identifiable population at risk. Can J Anaesth 1990;37:S131.
Turjanmaa K. Incidence of immediate allergy to latex gloves in hospital personnel. Contact Dermatitis 1987;144:241–5.
Nelson RL, Abcarian H, Prasad ML. Iatrogenic perforation of the colon and rectum. Dis Colon Rectum 1982;25:305–8.
Stafford C. Life-threatening allergic reactions. Postgrad Med 1989;86:235–45.
Sussman GL, Dolovich J. Prevention of anaphylaxis. Semin Dermatol 1989;8:158–65.
Slatter JE. Rubber anaphylaxis. N Engl J Med 1989;320:1126–30.
Bochner B, Lichtenstein L. Anaphylaxis. N Engl J Med 1991;324:1785–90.
Morales C, Basomba A, Carreira J, Sastre A. Anaphylaxis produced by rubber glove contact: case report and immunological identification of the antigens involved. Clin Exp Allergy 1989;19:425–30.
Stark BJ, Sullivan TJ. Biphasic and protracted anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1986;78:76–83.
Smith PL, Kagey-Sobotka A, Bleecker ER,et al. Physiologic manifestations of human anaphylaxis. J Clin Invest 1980;66:1072–80.
Barach EM, Nowak RM, Lee TG, Tomlanovich MC. Epinephrine for the treatment of anaphylactic shock. JAMA 1984;251:2118–22.
Zaloga GP, Delacey W, Holmboe E, Chernow B. Glucagon reversal of hypotension in a case of anaphylactoid shock. Ann Intern Med 1986;105:65–6.
Sullivan TJ. Systemic anaphylaxis. In: Lichtenstein LM, Fauci AS, eds. Current therapy in allergy, immunology and rheumatology. Toronto: BC Decker, 1988:91–8.
Lawrence RA. Breast feeding. St. Louis: CV Mosby, 1989:142, 145.
Berky ZA, Luciano WJ, James WD. Latex glove allergy: a survey of the US Army Dental Corps. JAMA 1992;268:2695–7.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Kokoszka, J., Nelson, R. Latex anaphylaxis. Dis Colon Rectum 36, 868–872 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02047387
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02047387