Factors that influence the presence of symptoms caused by latex allergy in children with spina bifida

Background: Some children with spins bifida who are sensitized to lates can ha Objective: Our aim was to study the differences between these two groups of patients, Material and methods: In 110 consecutive children with spina bifida, we identified by means of skin prick tests and serum latex-specific IgE 32 patients sensitized to latex, In these 32 patients, data were collected for ser;, age, personal and familial history of atopy, number of cystourethrograms and number of operations, history of intermittent bladder catheterization, serum levels of total IgE in units per milliliter and in z units, levels of latex-specific IgE, and results of skin prick tests. Results: Sixteen patients (50%) had clinical symptoms related to latex. These patients had significantly higher levels of serum specific IgE (32.8 +/- 30.7 U/ml vs. 12.5 +/- 16.5 U/ml), were more Likely to have positive responses on skin tests (100% vs. 75%), had a higher number of operations (10.5 +/- 6.9 vs. 5.8 +/- 2.7), and were more likely to have a personal history of atopy (41% vs. 6%) in comparison with findings for patients who did not have symptoms (p < 0.05 in all cases). A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the latter two factors as independent synergistic variables to predict symptoms. Conclusions: The number of operations is the main risk factor for latex-related symptoms in sensitized children. Atopy seems to lower the threshold both for sensitization and for the presentation of clinical reactions.