Occupational management of type I latex allergy

Latex anaphylaxis in healthcare worker and the occupational health management perspective: A case report

Latex allergy is a critical occupational health problem in healthcare settings. Exposure to latex can lead to severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. However, in epidemiological studies, occupational anaphylaxis due to natural rubber latex is relatively rare. For this reason, allergic reactions from latex exposure in the workplace may not be well aware and, therefore, lead to delayed appropriate management. We reported a female physician who sought occupational health program counseling for her latex allergic reaction following occupational exposure and her two episodes of latex anaphylaxis during medical-surgical procedures. An occupational health management program (e.g. glove replacement and a bracelet with latex allergy labeling) was established. After the intervention, she rarely experienced any allergic symptoms. Given these points, anaphylaxis can be triggered by occupational exposure to latex; thus, occupational health management is key to preventing and managing latex allergies in the workplace.

Latex Allergy: Current Status and Future Perspectives

Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRLA) from Hevea brasiliensis is a relevant public health issue, in particular in healthcare workers and groups at risk. Clinical manifestations of NRLA can range from mild skin disorders to life-threatening systemic reactions. Prevention measures remain the gold-standard treatment for patients suffering from NRLA, but the only etiological therapy able to influence the natural history of NRLA is specific desensitization. This review aims to underline the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of NRLA, and carries out a complete and wide-ranging review of the current literature on NRLA management and immunotherapy.

Occupational Latex Allergy: the Current State of Affairs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) reached epidemic proportions during the nineties and led to intense preventive efforts. The aim of this review was to provide a comprehensive compilation of the current status of occupational NRL allergy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent advances led to the characterization of 15 NRL allergens and the development of assays for measuring the allergen content of NRL materials and specific IgE antibodies against NRL allergen components. Preventive measures aimed at reducing workplace exposure to NRL allergens were associated with decreasing incidence rates of NRL allergy. However, a pooled analysis of epidemiological surveys published during the last 10 years provided prevalence estimates of NRL sensitization and allergy similar to those derived from studies conducted before 2003. Substantial progress has been made in the understanding and prevention of NRL allergy, although the disease may still remain a worldwide cause of concern.

Identification and practical management of latex allergy in occupational settings

Allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hevea brasiliensis is a relevant occupational health hazard. The use of gloves and products manufactured with latex and environmental allergen exposure in the work environment are risks factors for the development of occupational allergy among different job categories. Healthcare workers have been the most commonly affected, but other professions with exposure to latex products such as hairdressers, cleaners, food handlers and those making natural rubber latex (NRL) products are also at risk of developing occupational allergy. Clinical manifestations of IgE-mediated latex allergy can range from troublesome skin disorders to life-threatening systemic reactions. It is very important to identify the occupational allergic diseases in their early stages in order to implement avoidance strategies. For this purpose, the interventions for prevention should emphasize the importance of latex allergy awareness and surveillance among exposed workforces.

Occupational allergy: respiratory hazards in healthcare workers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Allergens are one group of respiratory hazards in the workplace of healthcare workers (HCWs). The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent advances in occupational allergy as well as potential hazardous agents in HCWs.

RECENT FINDINGS

The review covers new developments on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of occupational allergy in HCWs. This article also provides updated information on the prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms, as well as on respiratory hazards among healthcare providers.

SUMMARY

It is established that HCWs are at risk of asthma symptoms. The growing use of cleaning products is one of the causes of occupational airway disease in that group. Among healthcare professionals, the prevalence of asthma varies depending on worksite. Recent findings indicate a need for education among HCWs concerning occupational risks. A lack of knowledge of product components as well as about exposure to cleaning/disinfecting agents has been demonstrated. Further studies are necessary to determine the relative role of individual agents versus complex workplace exposures in the development of work-related asthma in HCWs.