Latex allergy

Latex allergy is a major problem worldwide due to both the severity of the symptomatology it produces, as well as the risk groups exposed. Complete avoidance is difficult, if not impossible, given its ubiquity (1). Natural rubber latex (NRL) is a natural polymer secreted by a rubber tree, Hevea brasiliensis (Hev b), which functions as a protective sealant. It is currently used for the manufacture of health care products such as tube caps, pistons, masks and cannulas (2) (3). The objective of this review is to highlight the epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic aspects of LCN allergy, and to perform a complete and comprehensive review of the literature on its management. We conclude that latex allergy is an entity that despite having a worldwide prevalence of 4.3% and representing a surgical complication in about 20% of surgeries with an anaphylactic reaction and a mortality that can reach 9%, the treatment even today is avoidance. The only treatment that could modify the evolution of this disease is immunotherapy, but standardized extracts are not yet available.