Latex allergy in children.

Allergic or immediate hypersensitivity reactions to natural rubber latex have been reported in children with increasing frequency in the last few years, although severe anaphylactic reactions are rare. Indubitably rubber has been employed in thousands and thousands of everyday products for over a century, yet only recently has natural rubber latex allergy been recognized as a substantial medical problem. Children with spina bifida undergoing multiple surgical procedures, as well healthy babies appear at high risk for natural rubber latex allergy, with life-threatening reactions reported during surgery or while playing with balloons. Skin prick testing is the preferred diagnostic method, especially in the prick by prick version. Parents of children with latex allergy should take caution that their babies avoid contact with rubber products, and that a latex-free environment is set during procedures. Since even minimal contact with natural rubber latex products may produce reactions, the primary treatment for latex allergy is avoidance. In this paper we review the new natural rubber latex allergens, as well as the cross-reactions regarding the latex-fruit syndrome since the recent characterization of a number of profilins has also greatly widened the number of possible reactions.