Clinical study of allergic reaction to latex gloves hospital personnel in Korea

초록

Latex surgical glove causes contact urticaria and various allergic reactions in sensitized persons. The purpose of this study was to assess the symptom prevalence of latex sensitivity in a large group of hospital personnel in Korea. 96 doctors and nurses answered the questionnaire about symptoms associated with latex glove wearing. The results were as follows: 1. 66 (32%) of 206 personnel reported at least one symptom. 23 (34.8%) of 66 personnel had itching and redness, 19 (28.8%) had itching without redness or wheal, and 17 (25.8%) had itching, redness and wheal. 2. Except 19 who had itching without redness or wheal, the symptom prevalence of latex sensitivity to latex glove was 22.8%. 3. Symptom prevalence was not significantly different in male and female. 4. Among the personnel with allergy history, the symptom prevalence was significantly higher (45.9%) than in personnel without allergy history. 5. The frequency of exposure to latex gloves did not influence the symptom prevalence. 6. All symptoms were local, and systemic urticaria or anaphylaxis was not reported during surgical procedure. As the above results, the symptom prevalence of latex sensitivity was 22.8% in Korean medical personnel. To prevent further serious reactions to latex, hospital personnel and patients with histories suggestive of rubber allergy should be evaluated before procedures involving substantial contact with latex.