[Prevalence of IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex in operation room personnel of Rotterdam].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of IgE-mediated latex allergy in workers in an operation room (OR) complex.

DESIGN

Descriptive.

METHOD: Regular OR staff members of Rotterdam University Hospital were tested in May-July 1998 for latex allergy and cross-reacting allergens. Questionnaires, serologic testing and skin prick tests with different extracts were used.

RESULTS

The study group comprised 163 persons (response: 70%), 30 men and 133 women, with a mean age of 38 years (range: 18-60). Twenty-three persons (14.1%) had specific IgE antibodies against latex. Persons with an atopic constitution ran an increased risk of latex sensitization (odds ratio: 4.3; 95% confidence interval: 1.6-11.4). Of these 23 persons, 16 showed symptoms of urticaria, angio-oedema, rhinoconjunctivitis and/or dyspnoea.

CONCLUSION

IgE-mediated allergy to natural rubber latex was prevalent in 23/163 (14.1%) of the OR personnel.