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Nettis E, Casella R, Incorvaia C, Miniello A. Secondary prevention of latex allergy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2022; 22:250-256. [PMID: 35852898 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0000000000000838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review addresses the secondary prevention in healthcare worker, healthcare setting, and in patients outside the healthcare setting. RECENT FINDINGS There is sufficient knowledge of the broad aetiology of latex allergy for secondary preventive programmes to be widely adopted. Currently, avoidance of latex-containing surgical products is mandatory in the care of sensitized patients. They should also have a list of occult sources of natural rubber latex exposure and cross-reacting fruits. During all health-care procedures latex allergic patients should be treated in a 'latex-free' environment. Specific sublingual immunotherapy has been suggested as a suitable therapeutic option. It can be offered, in addition to symptomatic treatment, to selected patients, when avoidance measures are not feasible or effective. The use of omalizumab could also be extended as an adjunct to latex immunotherapy. SUMMARY Despite of the progress made in the secondary prevention of latex allergy, the disease still continues to be a global health problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eustachio Nettis
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico di Bari, Bari
| | - Rossella Casella
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico di Bari, Bari
| | | | - Andrea Miniello
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Policlinico di Bari, Bari
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Di Rienzo A, Urbani S, Longhino D, Sarnari C, Buonomo A, Rizzi A, Aruanno A, Nucera E. Clinical and quality of life assessment in patients with latex allergy during COVID-19 pandemic: Possible protective role of continuous latex immunotherapy. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:3946320221100367. [PMID: 35575237 PMCID: PMC9111907 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221100367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, the massive use of Personal Protective Equipment could provoke severe adverse reactions in latex allergy patients and could negatively affect their quality of life. Methods: Trough a survey the study aimed: (a) to evaluate the incidence of allergic reactions in patients with latex allergy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; (b) to evaluate the protective role of continuous latex sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) during this period; and (c) to evaluate quality of life of natural rubber latex allergy (NRLA) patients during the pandemic. Results: 67 patients (9 males and 58 females, mean age of 45.9 ± 11.4 years) suffering from latex allergy were included in the present study. We recorded among our patients 13 cases (34.2%) of urticarial/angioedema (U/A), 9 cases (23.6%) of respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, shortness of breath and wheezing) and 7 cases (18.4%) of anaphylaxis. In patients who underwent continuous SLIT, we observed less cases of U/A (p < 0.001), respiratory symptoms (p < 0.001), anaphylaxis (p = 0.003), hospitalizations (p = 0.014) and a lower therapy administration. We compared the results of SF-36 questionnaire in patients who underwent continuous and not-continuous SLIT with a significance differences score between these two groups. Conclusions: Our study is the first that investigated the clinical and quality of life effects of COVID-19 pandemic in NRLA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Di Rienzo
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Urbani
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - David Longhino
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sarnari
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Buonomo
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Rizzi
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Aruanno
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Nucera
- 18654Allergy Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Hamnerius N, Svedman C, Bergendorff O, Bruze M, Pontén A. Latex and chlorhexidine IgE levels in Swedish healthcare workers †. Contact Dermatitis 2020; 84:205-207. [PMID: 33002221 DOI: 10.1111/cod.13712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nils Hamnerius
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Svedman
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ola Bergendorff
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Magnus Bruze
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Ann Pontén
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Dermatology, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
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Lopushinsky KM, Gill N, Shea WK, Elliott JF, Straube S, Dytoc MT. Making Glove Decision Less of a White Knuckling Experience: A Systematic Review and Inventory of Glove Accelerator Contents. J Cutan Med Surg 2020; 24:386-398. [DOI: 10.1177/1203475420919398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Accelerators in medical gloves are a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis among healthcare workers. Objective A systematic review of medical and nursing literature, patch testing reports, and chemical analyses of gloves was conducted to assess accelerator contents reported in the literature and to identify accelerator-free gloves. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in OVID Medline and OVID EMBASE. Hand-searching of reference lists of articles in the field and author input generated the remainder of articles assessed. Results We present an inventory of accelerator contents of gloves and accelerator-free glove options as reported in the literature as a clinical reference tool to assist allergen-free glove selection for individuals suffering from allergic contact dermatitis due to rubber accelerators. Limitations Pertinent limitations of our review include lack of predefined study exclusion criteria and screening of the studies identified in the search by 1 review author only. Conclusion The glove inventory we provide summarizes the available literature regarding medical and surgical glove accelerator content, describing gloves both by brand and manufacturer as well as by accelerators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlyn M. Lopushinsky
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Navjeet Gill
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Whitney K. Shea
- Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL, Canada
| | - John F. Elliott
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, University Dermatology Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sebastian Straube
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marlene T. Dytoc
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, University Dermatology Centre, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Li S, Tang M, Huang C, Zhang R, Wu J, Ling F, Xu YX, Huang G. Branching function of terminal phosphate groups of polyisoprene chain. POLYMER 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2019.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Abstract
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.
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Warburton KL, Uter W, Geier J, Spiewak R, Mahler V, Crépy MN, Schuttelaar ML, Bauer A, Wilkinson M. Patch testing with rubber series in Europe: a critical review and recommendation. Contact Dermatitis 2016; 76:195-203. [DOI: 10.1111/cod.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wolfgang Uter
- Department of Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology; University of Erlangen/Nürnberg; 91054 Erlangen Germany
| | - Johannes Geier
- Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK); University Medical Centre; 37075 Goettingen Germany
| | - Radoslaw Spiewak
- Department of Experimental Dermatology and Cosmetology; Jagiellonian University Medical College; 30-688 Krakow Poland
| | - Vera Mahler
- Department of Dermatology; University Hospital of Erlangen; 91054 Erlangen Germany
| | - Marie-Noëlle Crépy
- Department of Occupational Diseases, Centre Hôtel-Dieu, AP-HP; Paris University Hospital; 75004 Paris France
| | - Marie Louise Schuttelaar
- Department of Dermatology; University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen; 9713 GZ Groningen The Netherlands
| | - Andrea Bauer
- Department of Dermatology, University Allergy Centre, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus; Technical University Dresden; 01307 Dresden Germany
| | - Mark Wilkinson
- Department of Dermatology; Chapel Allerton Hospital; Leeds LS7 4SA UK
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Ibler KS, Jemec GBE, Garvey LH, Agner T. Prevalence of delayed-type and immediate-type hypersensitivity in healthcare workers with hand eczema. Contact Dermatitis 2016; 75:223-9. [DOI: 10.1111/cod.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina S. Ibler
- Department of Dermatology, Roskilde Hospital; University of Copenhagen; 4000 Roskilde Denmark
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital; University of Copenhagen; 2400 Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Gregor B. E. Jemec
- Department of Dermatology, Roskilde Hospital; University of Copenhagen; 4000 Roskilde Denmark
| | - Lene H. Garvey
- Allergy Clinic; Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte; 2900 Hellerup Denmark
| | - Tove Agner
- Department of Dermatology, Bispebjerg Hospital; University of Copenhagen; 2400 Copenhagen Denmark
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Impact of the vulcanization process on the structural characteristics and IgE recognition of two allergens, Hev b 2 and Hev b 6.02, extracted from latex surgical gloves. Mol Immunol 2015; 65:250-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2015.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Warburton KL, Urwin R, Carder M, Turner S, Agius R, Wilkinson SM. UK rates of occupational skin disease attributed to rubber accelerators, 1996-2012. Contact Dermatitis 2015; 72:305-11. [DOI: 10.1111/cod.12356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel Urwin
- Department of Dermatology; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Leeds LS7 4SA UK
| | - Melanie Carder
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester; Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Susan Turner
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester; Manchester M13 9PL UK
| | - Raymond Agius
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Population Health, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, The University of Manchester; Manchester M13 9PL UK
- Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre; Manchester M13 9WL UK
| | - S. Mark Wilkinson
- Department of Dermatology; Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust; Leeds LS7 4SA UK
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Xu L, Huang C, Luo M, Qu W, Liu H, Gu Z, Jing L, Huang G, Zheng J. A rheological study on non-rubber component networks in natural rubber. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra07428b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Proteins can interact with phospholipids in NR, the residual fragment also interact with ω-terminals in DPNR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Xu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Cheng Huang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Mingchao Luo
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Wei Qu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Han Liu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Zhewei Gu
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Liumei Jing
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Guangsu Huang
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
| | - Jing Zheng
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering
- Sichuan University
- Chengdu 610065
- China
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the utility of nitrile gloves as a replacement for latex surgical gloves in recovering bacteria from the hands. Two types of nitrile gloves were compared to latex gloves using the parallel streak method. Streaks of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus were made on tryptic soy agar plates, and the zones of inhibition were measured around pieces of glove material placed on the plates. Latex gloves produced a mean zone of inhibition of 0.28 mm, compared to 0.002 mm for nitrile gloves (p<.001). While the parallel streak method is not intended as a quantitative estimate of antimicrobial properties, these results suggest that nitrile may be a viable alternative to latex in glove juice sampling methods, since nitrile avoids the risk of latex exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F. Landers
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Anthony Dent
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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Petrack J, Vucak M, Nover C, Epple M. Polymorphic calcium carbonate phases as adsorbents for allergens in natural rubber latex. J Appl Polym Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/app.41271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Janina Petrack
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5-7; 45141 Essen Germany
| | - Marijan Vucak
- Schaefer Kalk GmbH and Co. KG; Louise-Seher-Str. 6 65582 Diez Germany
| | - Christoph Nover
- Schaefer Kalk GmbH and Co. KG; Louise-Seher-Str. 6 65582 Diez Germany
| | - Matthias Epple
- University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr. 5-7; 45141 Essen Germany
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Sanguanchaiyakrit N, Povey AC, de Vocht F. Personal exposure to inhalable dust and the specific latex aero-allergen, Hev b6.02, in latex glove manufacturing in Thailand. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 58:542-50. [PMID: 24569810 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meu013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Latex product manufacturing is an important industry in south-east Asia but has the potential for considerable occupational exposure of workers to latex allergens. Although exposure to latex allergens can result in adverse health reactions, few studies to characterize this exposure have been conducted to date. This study therefore aimed to characterize current airborne inhalable dust and the specific allergen, Hev b 6.02, exposures in this industry in Thailand. METHODS Workers were recruited from three factories in the southern part of Thailand. Full-shift inhalable dust personal air sampling was conducted using IOM sampling heads equipped with polytetrafluoroethylene filters at a 2.0 l min(-1) flowrate. After weighing to determine inhalable dust levels, filters were extracted and analysed for Hev b 6.02 using an enzyme immunometric assay. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy-five workers agreed to participate, resulting in a total of 292 measurements. Geometric mean (GM) personal exposure to inhalable dust was 0.88 mg m(-3), but individual exposures up to 12.34 mg m(-3) were measured. The pattern of exposure was similar across factories, with highest exposures in the stripping (GM 2.08-4.05 mg m(-3) for the 3 factories) and tumbling departments (1.11-2.17 mg m(-3)). Within-worker (day-to-day) variability contributed 92% to total variability. The Hev b 6.02 exposure pattern was similar with time-weighted average GM exposure levels in the oldest factory ranging from 8.7 mg m(-3) in the laboratory to 30.2mg m(-3) in the stripping department. In contrast to inhalable dust exposure, total exposure variability was primary driven by variability between workers (67%). CONCLUSIONS Workers in these latex product factories get routinely exposed to measurable Hev b 6.02 levels, which may give rise to increased incidence of allergic symptoms and occupational asthma. Also, in this measurement campaign a 10mg m(-3), but not 15 mg m(-3), occupational exposure limit for inhalable dust was occasionally exceeded. Highest Hev b 6.02 exposures were found in the stripping and tumbling departments, which would be natural targets for interventions aimed at reducing exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuthchyawach Sanguanchaiyakrit
- 1.Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK 2.Occupational Safety and Health Standard Development Group, Occupational Safety and Health Bureau, Department of Labour protection and Welfare, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Andrew C Povey
- 1.Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Frank de Vocht
- 1.Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, Centre for Epidemiology, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
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Phaswana SM, Naidoo S. The prevalence of latex sensitisation and allergy and associated risk factors among healthcare workers using hypoallergenic latex gloves at King Edward VIII Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal South Africa: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2013; 3:e002900. [PMID: 24327359 PMCID: PMC3863123 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study describes latex sensitisation and allergy prevalence and associated factors among healthcare workers using hypoallergenic latex gloves at King Edward VIII Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING A tertiary hospital in eThekwini municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PARTICIPANTS 600 healthcare workers were randomly selected and 501 (337 exposed and 164 unexposed) participated. Participants who were pregnant, with less than 1 year of work as a healthcare worker and a history of anaphylactic reaction were excluded from the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Latex sensitisation and latex allergy were the outcome of interest and they were successfully measured. RESULTS The prevalence of latex sensitisation and allergy was observed among exposed workers (7.1% and 5.9%) and unexposed workers (3.1% and 1.8%). Work-related allergy symptoms were significantly higher in exposed workers (40.9%, p<0.05). Duration of employment was inversely associated with latex allergy (OR 0.9; 95% CI 0.8 to 0.9). The risk of latex sensitisation (OR 4.2; 95% CI 1.2 to 14.1) and allergy (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.2 to 21.2) increased with the exclusive use of powder-free latex gloves. A dose-response relationship was observed for powdered latex gloves (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.0 to 1.2). Atopy (OR 1.5; 95% CI 0.7 to 3.3 and OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.6 to 3.2) and fruit allergy (OR 2.3; 95% CI 0.8 to 6.7 and OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.1 to 9.2) also increased the risk of latex sensitisation and allergy. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to previous findings that healthcare workers exposed to hypoallergenic latex gloves are at risk for developing latex sensitisation highlighting its importance as an occupational hazard in healthcare. More research is needed to identify the most cost effective way of implementing a latex-free environment in resource-limited countries, such as South Africa. In addition more cohort analysis is required to better understand the chronicity of illness and disability associated with latex allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumani Makwarela Phaswana
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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