Outcome of Occupational Latex Allergy—Work Ability and Quality of Life

Abstract

ObjectiveThe quality of life (QOL) and work ability of health care workers allergic to natural rubber latex (NRL) were assessed after implementation of regulations on powder-free NRL gloves in Germany.Methods196 HCW with reported NRL allergy answered a questionnaire (response rate 58%) containing the Work Ability Index (WAI), Mini Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (MiniAQLQ), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).Results63.2% still had NRL-related symptoms during the last 6 month. However on a scale from 0 to 10, the intensity of NRL-related symptoms decreased from 8.5 before to 2.3 after implementation of regulations on powder-free NRL gloves. A higher number of subjects were able to avoid NRL in the private than in the work environment (85% vs. 61%). NRL-related symptoms decreased and WAI increased with successful avoidance of NRL at workplace (b = 0.23, p = 0.003). QOL was only little affected by NRL allergy (mean: MiniAQLQ = 6.0; DLQI = 4.1).ConclusionsAlthough there was improvement after implementation of powder-free NRL gloves, there is still a considerable number of HCW with NRL-related symptoms. Further investigations on latex avoidance and the cause of persisiting allergic symptoms in HCW with NRL allergy are therefore needed.

Prevalence of latex allergy among healthcare workers

“…This has been paralleled by a growth of symptoms suggestive of latex allergy [1,2]. Even though the symptoms experienced by some individuals are mild and not life-threatening, the impact of this condition on their quality of life causes concern [3,4]. It is reported that affected individuals tend to change their working place, sometimes to the extent of changing the profession completely [4,5].…”

“…Even though the symptoms experienced by some individuals are mild and not life-threatening, the impact of this condition on their quality of life causes concern [3,4]. It is reported that affected individuals tend to change their working place, sometimes to the extent of changing the profession completely [4,5]. It seems that the emphasis made on this occupational hazard in developing countries, especially in the Asian region, is inadequate, albeit the rise in prevalence of the symptoms [6].…”

The mechanism of atopic march may be the ‘social’ event of cells and molecules (Review)

“…When a patient gets in contact with latex, an allergic reaction may occur immediately or develop later (15)(16)(17)(18)(19). The symptoms of the reaction include hives and urticaria.…”

“…The symptoms of the reaction include hives and urticaria. The skin reaction may occur anywhere in the body and not necessarily at the site where the direct contact with the latex occurred (15,16). In the meanwhile, an allergic reaction may occur at the conjunctivae, airways and digestive tract even at the whole body.…”

“…The symptoms of this allergic reaction include wheezing; coughing; shortness of breath; sneezing; nasal congestion; runny nose; conjunctivitis (red, itchy, watery eyes); nasal, palatal, or ocular itching; nasorhinitis (chronic runny nose); asthma; hypertension; and anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic response. The latex-triggered hypersensitivity reaction may affect the entire surface of the skin, the conjunctivae, the airways and the digestive tract (15)(16)(17)(18)(19). Obviously, there is a clinically-observable connection between the skin, and the conjunctivae, airways and the digestive tract.…”