Latex allergy: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management
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Transcript Latex allergy: Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management
Latex Allergy: Diagnosis,
Prevention, and Management
Tara Hata, MD
Assistant Professor
Dept of Anesthesia, UIHC
March 27, 2001
History of Latex Allergy
1933 Contact dermatitis to gloves
1979 Contact urticaria
1982 Identified IgE antibodies to latex proteins
1989 Anaphylaxis and death from latex exposure
Association with spina bifida or severe GU anomalies
1997 Reports to FDA total 2300 allergic reactions
(225 anaphylaxis, 53 cardiac arrests, 17 deaths)
1998 FDA mandates labeling of medical products
Origin of Latex
Latex is sap from rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis
60% H2O, 35% rubber, 5% protein
Rubber molecule: cis-1,4-polyisoprene
Chemicals added during production
Preservatives
(ie: ammonia), accelerators (ie: thiurams),
antioxidants (phenylenediamine), vulcanizing
compounds (ie: sulfur)
May elicit delayed hypersensitivity
Proteins responsible for most generalized allergies
7
sensitizing proteins identified to date
Manufacture of Latex Gloves
Protein content can vary 1000-fold among lots
May vary 3000-fold among manufacturers
Powdered examination gloves have highest protein
content and allergen levels
Cornstarch
particles adsorb latex allergens
Particles aerosolized: assoc with respiratory symptoms
Particles also contaminate clothing
Lowest levels in powderless gloves that undergo
additional washing and chlorination
Mechanisms of Exposure
Cutaneous absorption, ie: from gloves
Inhalation via aerosolized proteins on powder
Mucosal
Vaginal/rectal
exams, dental procedures, surgery
Parenteral
IVs,
surgical wounds, severe dermatitis
Hypersensitivity Classification
Type I
Type II
Type III
Type IV
Immediate
Cytotoxic
Immune complex
Delayed type
Types of Latex Sensitivity
Irritant contact dermatitis
Type IV -- Delayed Hypersensitivity
Type I --Immediate Hypersensitivity
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Most frequent reaction to latex products
Sxs/signs: scaling, drying, cracking of skin
Results from direct action of latex and chemicals
Not a true allergy - no immunologic mechanism
However
breakdown in skin integrity enhances
absorption of latex proteins
Accelerates onset of sensitivity/allergy
Rx: identify reaction, use alternative product
Type IV -- Delayed Hypersensitivity
Synonyms: T-cell mediated contact dermatitis,
allergic contact dermatitis
Most common immune response to gloves
Sxs/signs: mild to severe dermatitis (itching,
blistering, crusting); appears 6-72 hrs after contact
Cause: processing chemicals in gloves;
mediated by T lymphocytes (not antibodies)
Rx: Identify chemical and use alternative product
Patients may progress to Type I allergy
Type I -- Immediate Hypersensitivity
Synonyms: IgE mediated anaphylactic reaction
Cause: proteins in latex
Antigen
induces production of IgE; re-exposure to
antigen triggers cascade: release of histamine,
arachidonic acid, leukotrienes, prostaglandins
Onset within minutes
Varied response: local hives to anaphylactic shock
Rx: Antihistamines, steroids, anaphylaxis protocol
Prevention: avoid latex and areas where powdered
gloves used
Type I Mediators
Histamine and tryptase release common to type I and IV
Prostaglandins, leukotrienes, eosinophilic chemotactic
factor, platelet activating factor
potent bronchoconstrictors, vasodilators
Cytokines released minutes later also cause inflammatory
effects
Cardiovascular Histamine Receptors
Heart
H1
H2
Arteries
H1
H1,H2
H1
coronary vasoconstriction
coronary vasodilation,
tachycardia, inotropy
vasoconstriction
vasodilation, hypotension
increased permeability, edema
H1, H2
vasodilation, pooling
Veins
Pulmonary Histamine Receptors
Bronchioles
H1
H2
Bronchoconstriction
Mucous secretion
Vasculature
H1
Increased permeability
Gastrointestinal Histamine Receptors
Smooth muscle
H2
Constriction, cramping
Mucosa
H2
Acid secretion
Cutaneous Histamine Receptors
H1, H2
Vasodilation, increased permeability
Pruritis, urticaria, angioedema
Risk Groups for Latex Allergy
Patients with history of multiple surgeries
Meningomyelocele
Health care workers
Other occupational exposure
Rubber
product workers, hair dressers, house cleaners
Individuals with atopy
Hay
or severe urologic anomalies
fever, rhinitis, asthma, or eczema
Patients with specific food allergies
Banana,
kiwi, avocado, chestnut, etc.
Similar proteins
Myelodysplastic Patients
Prevalence of latex allergy is 18-64%
Type I reactions more common
Predisposing factors
multiple
surgeries
daily catheterizations / stoma care
presence of atopy is synergistic factor
Other children at high risk
multiple
surgeries starting in neonatal period
those with spinal cord injuries
Health Care Workers
Typically display a type IV reaction
Can
include conjunctivitis, rhinitis, dermatitis
1998 study: prevalence of immediate sensitivity in
anesthesiologists & CRNAs 12-16%
Over
80% of those sensitized had no sxs yet
Risk factors: hx atopy, skin sxs with latex gloves,
tropical fruit allergies
Progression from type IV to type I unpredictable
Diagnosis of Latex Allergy
*Clinical history (ask the right questions)
Myelodysplasia
/ urologic anomalies
Multiple surgeries
Chronic occupational exposure
Previous reactions to latex products (type I)
Certain food allergies
Atopy
Refer to allergist
Skin
testing
In vitro testing
Diagnosis by Skin Testing
Diagnose Type IV delayed hypersensitivity
Positive
patch test
Reaction appears anytime from 8 hours to 5 days later
Diagnose Type I allergy
Skin
prick test using antigens from glove products
Gold standard
Positive test: wheal and flare (c/t + and - controls)
Sensitivity and specificity around 98%
May result in severe reaction
Diagnosis by In Vitro Testing
No risk to patient
RAST (radioallergosorbent test)
Measures
amount of IgE Ab to latex in serum
Most labs must send out
Takes 5-10 days
Sensitivity 80-90%
Specificity 60-90%
EAST (Enzymeallergosorbent Test)
Does
not utilize radioactivity
Sensitivity & specificity of 80-85%
Prevention of Reactions in OR
Identify latex sensitive patients
Medic-alert
bracelet
Signs on hospital bed, room, and OR
Schedule as 1st start in OR
Use latex free environment
For
pts with hx of type I or type IV reactions
Meningomyelocele or urologic anomalies
Post list of latex-containing devices & alternatives
FDA mandated
labeling started February 1998
Pretreat pts with positive hx
Non-latex Equipment
Disposable endotracheal tubes
Esophageal stethoscopes
Oral airways
Suction catheters, Nasogastric tubes
ECG pads
Temp probes
LMAs
Potential Latex-Derived Products
Gloves
Catheters, drains
IV ports, central lines
Syringes
Breathing bag, bellows
Stethoscope tubing
Tape, dressings
Tourniquets, elastic bandages
Medication vials
Nasal airways, masks, straps
BP cuff tubing
Oximeter probe
*Check labels!
Avoidance of Latex includes:
Avoiding skin contact: BP/stethoscope tubing, IV
tourniquets
Remove stoppers from multi-dose med vials
Tape latex injection ports on IV tubing, central
lines, IV fluid bags
Use latex free syringes (remember the epidural &
spinal trays)
Pretreatment
Prophylaxis of anaphylaxis is controversial
Efficacy
unknown
Anaphylaxis has occurred in pretreated pts
May mask early signs
Pretreat pts with hx of Type I sxs
Start prophylaxis preop and continue x 24 hr
Diphenhydramine
1 mg/kg q 6 hr IV or PO
Methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg q 6 hr IV or PO
Cimetidine 5 mg/kg q 6 hr IV or PO (up to 300 mg)
Recognition of Anaphylaxis
Cutaneous
Urticaria
Flushing
Diaphoresis
Perioral
/ periorbital edema
Conjunctival hyperemia
Lacrimation
Rhinitis
Recognition of Anaphylaxis
Respiratory
Laryngeal
edema
Bronchospasm
Pulmonary edema
Cardiovascular
Tachycardia,
Hypotension
CV
collapse
dysrhythmias
Management of Anaphylaxis
Remove antigen
100% oxygen
IV volume expansion (up to 50 ml/kg)
D/C or adjust anesthesia
Epinephrine
Bronchospasm
or hypotension: 0.1-5 ug/kg IV
Cardiac arrest: peds: 10 ug/kg, adults: 0.5-2 mg IV
Antihistamine: diphenhydramine 1 mg/kg
H2 blocker optional
Steroids: hydrocortisone 1-4 mg/kg
Again…...
Identify those pts at high risk
For myelodysplastic & GU anomaly pts, as well as
those with hx of type I sxs:
Label
pt, chart, pt room, OR as latex free
Use latex precautions
Prophylax pts with hx of type I reaction
Be prepared to treat anaphylaxis
Conclusion
Most important step is avoidance of exposure in
susceptible patients
With universal precautions, the problem will likely
worsen
Hospitals should strive for low allergen
environments
Powderless
gloves with low extractable protein content
Protect yourself
Treat
dermatitis
Cover hand wounds with tegaderm