Abstract
Background: The medical literature has described the prevalence of latex allergy in the spina bifida population and its implications for surgical intervention. We report three cases of severe and unexpected intra-operative anaphylaxis secondary to latex exposure in non-spina bifida patients. Methods: A retrospective review of case notes identified three non-spina bifida patients who suffered intra-operative anaphylaxis due to latex allergy. Personal and telephone interview and patient chart review was performed to detail a past history of multiple latex exposure, atopy, the anaphylaxis event and the postoperative outcome. Results: Three non-spina bifida patients are described. One suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest, the remaining two patients had severe vascular hypotension and airway resistance that was only relieved after administration of vasoconstrictors and bronchodilators. Post-operatively, all three tested strongly positive to latex allergen testing. Each patient had a history of multiple surgical latex exposure and specific allergies or allergic- type symptoms pre-operatively. Conclusion: We believe that the predictors of a severe allergic reaction to latex with surgical exposure in non-spina bifida patients may be similar to those predictors known in the spina bifida population. Identification of such at-risk patients will reduce the risk of significant intra-operative morbidity and possible mortality by the introduction of a latex-free operating environment.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 183-185 |
Number of pages | 3 |
Journal | Australian and New Zealand Journal of Surgery |
Volume | 68 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Anaphylaxis
- Intra-operative
- Latex
- Non-spina bifida
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)