Hypersensitivity to Latex in Health Care Workers: Report of Five Cases

1993 ◽  
Vol 109 (4) ◽  
pp. 731-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arie Rosen ◽  
David Isaacson ◽  
Mary Brady ◽  
Jacquelynne P. Corey
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Latex Allergy ◽  
Total Ige ◽  
Latex Gloves ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
History Of

Concern about transmission of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis has greatly increased the use of latex gloves. Latex allergy is a newly emerging problem with potential life-threatening sequelae among health care personnel. Patients are also at risk. We report on five cases of latex allergy in health care workers who were using latex gloves for variable lengths of time before their allergic reaction. All workers had a significant history of reactions to other allergens, including inhalants and food. Each individual had at least one systemic symptom that was directly attributed to latex exposure. Reactions to latex ranged from severe contact urticaria (all cases), bronchospasm (three cases), angioedema (two cases), and rhinorrhea (one case) to anaphylactic reactions that required immediate attention in three cases. Levels of specific IgE to latex (as measured by in vitro enzyme immunoassay) and total IgE were elevated in all five patients (total IgE > 100 kU/L). Long-term treatment included avoidance of latex, administration of antihistamines, and desensitization to other, nonlatex allergens. Health care workers should have increased awareness of latex allergy. At risk are health care workers with a history of other allergies and those with atopic dermatitis or eczema. In vitro testing may be useful, especially in persons with skin conditions such as eczema or urticaria or for persons with a history of systemic reactions to the latex allergen as reported in these five cases

Self-Reported Skin Disorders Among Health Care Workers

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 294-301
Author(s):  
Mohammed Mohammed Alhaji ◽  
Alice Lai ◽  
Lin Naing ◽  
Nik Ani Tuah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Skin Disorder ◽  
Multivariate Analyses ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Latex Gloves ◽  
Brunei Darussalam ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
History Of

This study aimed to estimate the point prevalence and 1-year period prevalence of skin disorder symptoms (SDS) among health care workers (HCWs) and to explore the possible risk factors. A random sample of 400 HCWs from 13 government health centers in Brunei Darussalam self-administered an adapted Nordic Occupational Skin Questionnaire (NOSQ-2002/SHORT). The point and 1-year prevalence of SDS were 12% and 19%, respectively. Having a history of SDS before the current job, exposure to SDS-exacerbating materials at the workplace, and having clinical roles were correlated for both prevalence estimates. Frequent handwashing and moderate use of latex gloves were associated with higher risk of SDS at 1-year. Female HCWs were more likely to report SDS. In multivariate analyses, only contact with SDS-exacerbating materials at the workplace, prejob SDS, and moderate glove usage were significant predictors of SDS.

scholarly journals A Serosurvey Identifying Vulnerability to Measles in Health Care Workers. A Hospital-Based Prospective Seroprevalence Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (12) ◽  
pp. 4219
Author(s):  
Jana Malinová ◽  
Marek Petráš ◽  
Alexander M. Čelko
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Concomitant Disease ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
History Of ◽  
A Prospective Study ◽  
The Way

The aim of this serological survey was to assess the persistence of measles antibodies among health care workers (HCWs) at risk of incidental measles. A prospective study of measles-specific antibodies in serum samples obtained from a total of 2782 participants aged 19–89 years was conducted between May 2018 and December 2019. The seropositivity rate of 93.7% (95% CI: 92.4–94.9%) in fully vaccinated participants aged 19–48 years was significantly lower than that of 98.0% (95% CI: 96.5–99.0%) in participants naturally immunised before 54 years. A cohort of those born in 1971–1975, vaccinated predominantly with one dose, showed lower seropositivity persistence (86.6%) than those fully vaccinated with two doses or naturally immunised. Otherwise, seropositivity was not markedly influenced by sex, age, smoking status, overweight, obesity or concomitant disease. The presence of sufficient antibody levels in a high proportion of HCWs irrespective of the way they acquired immunity is a favourable finding for managing incidental measles; hence, in the presence of a risk of a measles outbreak, it would be possible to perform targeted vaccination of only at-risk HCWs with a history of incomplete vaccination or missing information about the way in which immunity is acquired.

Prevalence of Latex Allergy among Anesthesiologists 

1998 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Brown ◽  
James F. Schauble ◽  
Robert G. Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Immunoglobulin E ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Latex Allergy ◽  
Latex Glove ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
History Of

Background Occupational exposure to natural rubber latex has led to sensitization of health-care workers. However, the prevalence of latex allergy among occupationally exposed workers in American hospitals has not been reproducibly determined. The objectives of the current study were to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for latex sensitization among a cohort of highly exposed health-care workers. Methods Participants were 168 of 171 eligible anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists working in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine. A clinical questionnaire was administered, and testing was performed using a characterized nonammoniated latex reagent for puncture skin testing, a Food and Drug Administration-approved assay to quantify latex-specific immunoglobulin E antibody in serum, and, when required for clarification, a validated two-stage (contact-inhalation) latex glove provocation procedure. Results The prevalence of latex allergy with clinical symptoms and latex sensitization without clinical symptoms was 2.4% and 10.1%, respectively. The prevalence of irritant or contact dermatitis was 24%. The risk factors identified for latex sensitization were atopy (odds ratio, 14.1; 95% CI, 1.8-112.1; P = 0.012); history of allergy to selected fruits, such as bananas, avocados, or kiwis (odds ratio, 9.8; 95% CI, 1.6-61.9; P = 0.015); and history of skin symptoms with latex glove use (odds ratio, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.6-13.4; P = 0.006). Conclusions The prevalence of latex sensitization among anesthesiologists is high (12.5%). Of these, 10.1% had occult (asymptomatic) latex allergy. Hospital employees may be sensitized to latex even in the absence of perceived latex allergy symptoms. These data support the need to transform the health-care environment into a latex-safe one that minimizes latex exposure to patients and hospital staff.

Stepping up detection, response, preparedness and readiness measures for “COVID-19”- A Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1042-1047
Author(s):  
Khushbu Balsara ◽  
Deepankar Shukla
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Clinical History ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Short Period ◽  
History Of ◽  
Detection Response ◽  
Care Worker

In a very short period of time, “COVID-19” has seized the consciousness globally by making remarkable changes in our day to day living and has superintended as a public health emergency globally. It has high radar of transmission, affecting an individual at work to frontline workers. The measures and planning for a response plays a key role from drawing up an emergency committee and this follows an equation which broadly deals with epidemiological to clinical history of the patient, management steps from isolation, screening, diagnostic assays for identification and treatment. The application of an organized plan with secure structure aids in better performance, increases efficacy of management and saves time. Also saves time for a health care worker to g through routine levels of channels of administration if already a familiar way of operation is known for such situations. Thus, planning and developing a ‘blueprint of approach’ towards management of patient while facing such situation is a must. This review provides an insight to the measures for detection, response and preparedness of the hospital and health care workers should largely be inclusive of; also highlights the measures to be taken at every step after coming in contact with a positive case of “COVID-19”.

scholarly journals 460. Point-of-Care, In-Home SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibody Testing to Assess Seroprevalence in At-Risk Health Care Workers

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S297-S297
Author(s):  
Eric G Meissner ◽  
Christine Litwin ◽  
Tricia Crocker ◽  
Elizabeth Mack ◽  
Lauren Card
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Documented Infection ◽  
Inconclusive Result ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background Health care workers are at significant risk for infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Methods We utilized a point-of-care, lateral flow SARS-CoV-2 IgG immunoassay (RayBiotech) to conduct a seroprevalence study in a cohort of at-risk health care workers (n=339) and normal-risk controls (n=100) employed at an academic medical center. To minimize exposure risk while conducting the study, consents were performed electronically, tests were mailed and then self-administered at home using finger stick blood, and subjects uploaded a picture of the test result while answering an electronic questionnaire. We also validated the assay using de-identified serum samples from patients with PCR-proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Results Between April 14th and May 6th 2020, 439 subjects were enrolled. Subjects were 68% female, 93% white, and most were physicians (38%) and nurses (27%). In addition, 37% had at least 1 respiratory symptom in the prior month, 34% had cared for a patient with known SARS-CoV-2 infection, 57% and 23% were worried about exposure at work or in the community, respectively, and 5 reported prior documented SARS-CoV-2 infection. On initial testing, 3 subjects had a positive IgG test, 336 had a negative test, and 87 had an inconclusive result. Of those with an inconclusive result who conducted a repeat test (85%), 96% had a negative result. All 3 positive IgG tests were in subjects reporting prior documented infection. Laboratory validation showed that of those with PCR-proven infection more than 13 days prior, 23/30 were IgG positive (76% sensitivity), whereas 1/26 with a negative prior PCR test were seropositive (95% specificity). Repeat longitudinal serologic testing every 30 days for up to 4 times is currently in progress. Conclusion We conducted a contact-free study in the setting of a pandemic to assess SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in an at-risk group of health care workers. The only subjects found to be IgG positive were those with prior documented infection, even though a substantial proportion of subjects reported significant potential occupational or community exposure and symptoms that were potentially compatible with SARS-COV-2 infection. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Screening for Tuberculosis in Health Care Workers: Experience in an Italian Teaching Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Napoli ◽  
Filippo Ferretti ◽  
Filippo Di Ninno ◽  
Riccardo Orioli ◽  
Alessandra Marani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Large Teaching Hospital ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Positive Results

Health care workers (HCW) are particularly at risk of acquiring tuberculosis (TB), even in countries with low TB incidence. Therefore, TB screening in HCW is a useful prevention strategy in countries with both low and high TB incidence. Tuberculin skin test (TST) is widely used although it suffers of low specificity; on the contrary, the in vitro enzyme immunoassay tests (IGRA) show superior specificity and sensitivity but are more expensive. The present study reports the results of a three-year TB surveillance among HCW in a large teaching hospital in Rome, using TST (by standard Mantoux technique) and IGRA (by QuantiFERON-TB) as first- and second-level screening tests, respectively. Out of 2290 HCW enrolled, 141 (6.1%) had a positive TST; among them, 99 (70.2%) underwent the IGRA and 16 tested positive (16.1%). The frequency of HCW tested positive for TB seems not far from other experiences in low incidence countries. Our results confirm the higher specificity of IGRA, but, due to its higher cost, TST can be considered a good first level screening test, whose positive results should be further confirmed by IGRA before the patients undergo X-ray diagnosis and/or chemotherapy.

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