Atopy, the use of condoms, and a history of cesarean delivery: potential predisposing factors for latex sensitization in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to assess the prevalence of latex sensitization among women admitted for delivery and the relevant risk factors.

STUDY DESIGN

In a prospective study 333 consecutive patients admitted for delivery were screened for specific immunoglobulin E antibodies to latex and for atopic status. A questionnaire was filled in and included questions about the obstetric and surgical history, known contact with latex, and previous use of condoms.

RESULTS

Nine of 333 (2.7%) women showed latex-specific immunoglobulin E. All 9 women had atopy (100% vs 26. 2% in the latex-negative group; P <.00001). Of 8 patients with specific immunoglobulin E who gave details about the use of condoms, 6 had had frequent contact with latex condoms (75% vs 51%). Previous cesarean delivery was more frequent in latex-sensitized patients (33% vs 8.4%; P <.05), whereas previous pregnancies, previous deliveries, and total number of operations had no influence.

CONCLUSION

Given a prevalence of 2.7% of latex sensitization, all obstetric patients should be questioned about known immediate allergic reaction to latex, a predisposition to atopy, previous intra-abdominal operations, and the regular use of condoms in the past. Patients with atopy and additive risk factors should be treated in a latex-free environment.