Sensitization to allergen components from natural rubber latex (Hevea brasiliensis) in a 15-year old girl undergoing multiple surgical procedures

Abstract

This paper describes a case of anaphylaxis due to latex exposure during surgery. Allergic reactions to latex during surgery have been described in spinal bifida patients. The case presented in our manuscript is a 15-year old girl who experienced an anaphylactic reaction during her 12th surgery of giant hairy nevus on the thigh. She had a history of oral pruritus after ingestion of chestnut suggesting latex-fruit syndrome. Specific IgE was positive to latex and the allergen components Hev b 1, 3, 5 and 6.02. The diagnosis was latex-allergy due to sensitization obtained after multiple surgeries, possibly due to the contact of latex-containing gloves. Anaphylactic shock during surgery due to NRL allergy is being reported continuously. To prevent allergic reactions during surgery in patients who undergo multiple surgeries, not only in Spina Bifida (SB) patients, frequent analyses of specific IgE to NRL are essential as well as the documentation of the clinical history after ingestion of latex-fruit syndrome related foods. Measurement of specific IgE to allergen components from NRL might be useful in the diagnosis of NRL allergy and in the investigation of the route of NRL sensitization.