IngentaConnect Clinical and occupational outcomes in health care workers with na...

Authors: Bernstein, David I.¹; Karnani, Ravi¹; Biagini, Ray E.²; Bernstein, Cheryl K.³; Murphy, Karen³; Berendts, Brian³; Bernstein, Jonathan A.¹; Bernstein, I L.¹

Source: Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, Volume 90, Number 2, February 2003 , pp. 209-213(5)

Publisher: American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology

Abstract:

Background: There is limited information pertaining to clinical outcomes and economic consequences of natural rubber latex (NRL) allergy in health care workers (HCWs).

Objective: To evaluate retrospectively health and economic outcomes in HCWs identified with NRL allergy and percutaneous reactivity to NRL.

Methods: Sixty-seven HCWs with NRL allergy, confirmed by percutaneous reactivity to non-ammoniated latex (NAL) extract, were administered a detailed questionnaire to evaluate clinical and economic outcomes of active work and environmental interventions subsequent to recognition of work-related symptoms associated with NRL gloves.

Results: Diagnoses based on predetermined case definitions associated with direct or indirect exposure to NRL gloves included contact urticaria in 67 (100%); work-related rhinitis in 23; work-related asthma symptoms in 25; and work-related anaphylaxis in 4 workers. Work related symptoms reportedly resolved in 44 of 49 (90%) of NAL skin test-positive workers who had reported skin, respiratory, and/or systematic symptoms and remained in their current work area and who switched to non-NRL gloves. Four of 24 (17%) workers with work-related asthma symptoms were compelled to change employment to NRL-safe workplaces, resulting in a mean 24% reduction in annual income.

Conclusions: Clinical outcomes in this group of HCWs with NRL allergy were favorable after institution of interventions but incurred deleterious consequences in a minority of workers.

Document Type: Original article

Affiliations: 1: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio. 2: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio. 3: Bernstein Clinical Research Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.

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Clinical and occupational outcomes in health care workers with natural rubber latex allergy