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Neo-natal Sensitization to Latex: A Medical Hypothesis

Author: Jennifer Worth

DOI: 10.1080/13590849961528

Publication Frequency: 4 issues per year

Published in: journal

Journal of Nutritional & Environmental Medicine, Volume 9, Issue 4 December 1999 , pages 305 - 312

Subjects: Food Chemistry: Nutrition; Bioscience: Nutrition;

Number of References: 28

Formats available: PDF (English)

The circumstances under which this title is published have changed:

Reason for change: Ceased
Date of change: 2009

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Abstract

Babies born in the delivery rooms of hospitals are exposed to latex through skin and mucous membrane contact with prepowdered latex gloves worn by midwives and doctors, and through the inhalation of latex bound starch powder in the air of the delivery room. This paper examines the hypothesis that babies are at risk of latex sensitization, and that part of the sharp increase in childhood asthma, eczema and anaphylaxis in the past thirty to forty years may be linked to this. These possibilities seem hitherto unsuspected. In over seven hundred papers on latex allergy no mention of neo-natal exposure to latex has been found. Even obstetric papers discussing the risks for an atopic mother do not seem to anticipate any risk for the baby, who might also be atopic. Latex allergy is primarily regarded as an occupational hazard. This paper suggests that it is a hazard for every baby handled by latex gloves at birth.

Keywords: Latex Sensitization; Neo-NATAL Exposure; Obstetricians; Midwives

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Neo-natal Sensitization to Latex: A Medical Hypothesis

Abstract