DOI: 10.26650/jchild.2025.1888717 ISSN: 1308-8491

Latex Allergy in Childhood: Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Diagnostic Approaches

Aslı Berivan Topçak, Deniz Özçeker
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Latex allergy became increasingly prevalent and clinically clear following the widespread use of latex gloves to prevent infection transmission during surgical procedures. Although the subsequent shift toward latex-free gloves has reduced exposure, latex allergy remains a significant concern due to the extensive presence of latex in numerous medical and everyday products. Children requiring repeated surgical interventions or catheterizations are particularly at high risk. Various diagnostic methods, including skin testing and measurement of serum-specific IgE, are available; however, the reference standard for diagnosis remains the provocation (challenge) test. Although immunotherapy has been explored in some studies, its routine use is not recommended, and strict avoidance of latex remains the cornerstone of management.

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