Riassunto

Background Although the incidence of type 1 latex allergy has decreased in recent years with the introduction of powder-free low-protein (PFLP) latex gloves, type 1 latex allergy is still commonly found among workers who use natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves at work.

Aims To elucidate the optimal management of workers with type 1 latex allergy whose work necessitates the use of NRL gloves in the workplace.

Methods A sensitive electronic search of relevant bibliographic databases was performed with related search terms for articles from 1 January 1990 to 1 September 2010. Relevant abstracts were reviewed, and studies that furnished data on the management of type 1 latex allergy in the workplace were extracted. Articles for inclusion in the review were appraised using the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network methodology.

Results A total of 7041 abstracts were retrieved; 12 articles met the inclusion criteria for the review. We found moderately strong and consistent evidence that avoidance of NRL in the workplace reduces both symptoms and markers of sensitization in latex-allergic individuals. There is limited evidence that latex-allergic workers can continue to use PFLP gloves with no worsening of symptoms, provided that their co-workers also use PFLP latex or non-latex gloves.

Conclusions Individuals with type 1 latex allergy whose work necessitates them wearing latex gloves may continue in their job provided that adjustments are made to ensure that they are not exposed to powdered latex gloves.

Commento

Grazie alla loro eccellente elasticità, durabilità, proprietà tattili, basso tasso di penetrazione microbica e basso costo, l’utilizzo dei guanti in lattice naturale nei luoghi di lavoro è in costante crescita sia nei paesi industrializzati che in quelli in via di sviluppo. Il settore di maggiore impiego, a livello mondiale, è quello sanitario, ma negli ultimi 20 anni si è verificato un incremento del loro utilizzo anche nei settori odontoiatrico, botanico, alimentare, edile e dei parrucchieri.

I lavoratori impiegati in ciascuno di questi settori sono considerati in letteratura ad alto rischio per lo sviluppo di allergie al lattice immediate e/o tardive, con un impatto che può essere considerato sia in termini patologici che di perdita delle capacità e performance professionali che di tipo economico.

Nel presente articolo, Madan e collaboratori propongono una dettagliata relazione della loro metanalisi, realizzata al fine di fornire una linea guida, basata sui risultati della letteratura, per la gestione ottimale dell’allergia al lattice nei luoghi di lavoro.

Keywords

Evidence-based practice, natural rubber latex allergy, Occupational health

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