Prevalence of Latex Sensitization in Atopic Dermatitis Patients: Results of Skin Prick Test and RAST to Latex

Woo, Hye Jin; Park, Hyun Jeong; Kim, Hyung Ok

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Natural rubber latex has become an important health concern in recent years, particularly in risk groups. Atopic dermatitis is well known risk factor for latex allergy, but there is no data or study of latex allergy in Korea. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of latex sensitization in atopic dermatitis patients. METHODS: A total of 154 patients presenting with various diseases for allergologic evaluation was studied. A questionnaire-based history was taken, skin prick tests(SPT) with latex glove extract were done. In SPT positive patients, serum total IgE and latex-specific IgE by radioallergosorbent test(RAST) were measured, and a use test was also performed. RESULTS: A total of 77 subjects(50%) was atopic. There were positive SPT reactions to latex in 13/77(16.9%). There were only 7 positive to the latex RAST in SPT positive patients. Except one patient, there were no clinically relevant latex allergy by history and challenge tests. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the prevalence of latex sensitization in atopic dermatitis patients is quite high(16.9%), and in latex allergy diagnosis, SPT is more sensitive than RAST.