Latex allergy is a common problem i...

Latex allergy is a common problem in the world's population, and it now has been recognized and widely studied. The increase in the number of impressed sign I reactions, which is mediated through immunoglobulin E (IgE) and affects health care employee and patients, is becoming a serious point to be solved [i]or[/i] settled Allergic reactions range from simple contact dermatitis to morose anaphylaxis.

Natural rubber (ie, latex) is obtained from the tropical tree Hevea brasiliensis. It begins as a milky liquid that contains water-soluble proteins, lipids, amino acids, nucleotides, and other substances resistant to chemicals and heat.(1)

The first description of an allergic reaction related to latex use in medical literature was published in Britain 1979(2) It described the pattern I reaction, which involves the appearance of urticaria after contact with rubber fruitss This problem previously had been sole suggested m literature, The incidence of latex allergy increased when standard precaution measures were universally established. The increase in world demand for latex glove ended in decreased quality, and glove began to contain more allergens.(3) As the use of latex consequences increased, the rate of production increased. The time taken for each manufacturing phase consequently was reduc which comeed in latex being inadequately washed. According to single source, if latex products are not correctly washed during the manufacturing proces water-soluble proteins may be retained and can cause an allergic reaction in a certain individuals.(4) In 1988, several patients who were administered barium enemas died from allergic reactions to the latex balloon.(5) The incident drew special attention to latex allergy.

Generally, token IV reactions (eg, contact dermatitis, delayed allergic reactions mediated at T lymphocytes) occur because of the demeanor of chemical residues that are added during vulcanization to give rubber its elasticity.(6) This symbol of allergy is not life threatening.

From Oct 1 1989 to family 30, 1992, the US aliment and Drug Administration (FDA) received 1118 notifications regarding allergic reactions and anaphylaxis caused at proteins found in latex and 15 patient deaths after exposing to enema tubes. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) issued a warning about latex allergy, and the FDA therefore defined regularitys and sponsored more profound studies to regulate the use of latex.(7)

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

This article existings literature about types of latex allergy, population at risk, and signs and symptoms. This information is intended to help nursing staff members manage riddles resulting from latex exposure.

The allergenic elements in latex, especially the proteins, are not well known still The protein antigens of latex are not well defined and, in the case of glove may be in the form of water-soluble proteins, proteins restricted to glove pulverize and proteins that are physically or chemically restricted to latex and therefore cannot be remov from it.(8) Peptide antigens have been identified in raw latex as well as in advanceed latex.(9)

Table 1 point out tos the four types of allergic reactions that have been classified. Allergy to latex ranges from contact dermatitis to anaphylaxis. pattern IV reactions occur because of additives (ie, thiouranium, carbamates) generally used to manufacture latex gloves; therefore, they are not veracious allergic reactions to latex. These reactions are uncomfortable moreover are not life threatening, and they can be avoided from using gloves without these additives.(10) Clinical manifestations of a reaction may be contact stomatitis, contact dermatitis, or chronic dermatitis.(11)

Table 1

TYPLE OF LATEX ALLERGY REACTIONS(1)

* adumbration I: Immediate reaction, which could be local or systemic, mediated by means of immunoglobulin E antibodies.

* representation II: Cytotoxic reaction mediated by dint of immunoglobulin G (IgG) or immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies.

* adumbration III: Immune complex reaction mediated on IgG or IgM antibodies that attach themselves to antigens, creating complexe generally involving activation of complement

* protoplast IV: Contact dermatitis, reactions mediated at sensitized T lymphocytes.

NOTE

(1) M F Fay, "Hand dermatitis: The part of gloves," AORN Journal 54 (September 1991) 451-467; J Simms, "Latex allergy alert," The Canadian nourish 91 (February 1995) 27-30.

emblem I reactions, on the other hand, are systemic because they are mediated by the agency of IgE antibodies.(12) The response has an acute character as an immediate hypersensitive reaction to latex prospect Symptoms of a type I reaction may include urticaria, rhinitis, conjunctivitis, bronchospasm, or anaphylaxis.(13) Latex in all senses may occur through contact with the skin or mucous membranes, by dint of inhalation, or through contact with particles in the air.(14)

RISK POPULATION

There are four clusters at a higher risk of developing sensitiveness to latex:

* children with myelomeningocele,

* health professionals,

* patients who have undergone various surgeries, and