RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported a greater frequency of sensitization to latex in the female population and a higher incidence of anaphylactic reactions to latex during cesarean section. In this study, the authors investigated the prevalence of latex sensitization in obstetric patients compared with nonpregnant subjects. METHODS: Two hundred ninety-four healthy pregnant women who were at term with a singleton fetus and scheduled for caesarean section (group A) were compared with 294 healthy nulliparous women with childbirth potential undergoing gynecologic surgery (group B). Before surgery, patients completed a questionnaire, and venous blood samples were collected to measure specific immunoglobulin E serum concentrations with a fluorescent enzyme immunoassay test. Skin-prick tests were performed if adverse reactions occurred during surgery. Latex allergy was diagnosed on the basis of immunoglobulin E results and/or positive skin-prick tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of latex sensitization was higher in group A than in group B (15/294, 5.1% vs. 5/294, 1.7%; P < 0.05). A significant difference in specific immunoglobulin E serum concentration was noted between pregnant and nonpregnant patients who had a positive fluorescent enzyme immunoassay test (median serum concentration: 1.93 kilounits/l; interquartile range = 2.28 vs. 0.78 kilounits/l; interquartile range = 1.07; P less than 0.05). Two patients in group A experienced an anaphylactic reaction to latex. Statistical analysis disclosed no association between latex sensitization and accepted risk factor for latex allergy. CONCLUSIONS: The authors report a higher prevalence of latex sensitization in the obstetric population than in nonpregnant subjects undergoing gynecologic surgery.