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Children who are born with spina bifida (SB) undergo many operations and procedures. Because the prevalence of latex allergy in children with SB is high (up to 72%), the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology has recommended that all latex products be avoided during medical procedures in such patients. Results from this study validate that recommendation.
Researchers at a Spanish hospital compared 2 groups of children with SB: 15 who were born during the 6 years before implementation of a latex-free environment in the hospital, and 22 who were born after a latex-free environment was established. The children underwent skin and radioallergosorbent (RAST) testing for latex sensitivity. Four of the 15 children (26%) who were born b…