[Latex allergy in hospital workers--follow-up of symptomatic subjects]

G Ital Med Lav Ergon. 2007 Jul-Sep;29(3 Suppl):418-20.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Latex allergy may be manifested in a variety of clinical disturbances such as contact urticaria, angioedema, rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and anaphylactic reactions. The aim of this follow-up study was to determine whether a change in glove use from powdered to powder-free latex gloves at previously surveyed hospital workers reduced the work-related symptoms. 53 hospital workers with work-related symptoms where followed up 4,6 years after first investigation. On re-examination, 54.7% use both powdered and powder-free gloves, 37.7% used only latex free gloves and 7.6% stopped the glove use. At follow-up, in 68% of subjects there was the remission or the improvement of work-related symptoms. The improvement of symptoms was greater in workers using powder-free gloves than in others (p < 0.005). In conclusion our study shows that preventive measures, such as the use a powder-free latex gloves, are sufficient to induce a reduction of work-related symptoms.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gloves, Surgical*
  • Humans
  • Latex Hypersensitivity / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Personnel, Hospital*
  • Talc

Substances

  • Talc