Clinical and quality of life assessment in patients with latex allergy during COVID-19 pandemic: Possible protective role of continuous latex immunotherapy. (14th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Rienzo, Alessia; Urbani, Sara; Longhino, David; Sarnari, Caterina; Buonomo, Alessandro; Rizzi, Angela; Aruanno, Arianna; Nucera, Eleonora
• Is Part Of: International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology. Volume 36(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-14
• Subjects: Latex allergy -- immunotherapy -- COVID-19; Immunopathology -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Inflammation -- Periodicals; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1177/03946320221100367
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0394-6320

Abstract

Introduction: During COVID-19 pandemic, the massive use of Personal Protective Equipment could provoke severe adverse reactions in latex allergy patients and could negatively affect their quality of life.Methods: Trough a survey the study aimed: (a) to evaluate the incidence of allergic reactions in patients with latex allergy during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic; (b) to evaluate the protective role of continuous latex sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) during this period; and (c) to evaluate quality of life of natural rubber latex allergy (NRLA) patients during the pandemic.Results: 67 patients (9 males and 58 females, mean age of 45.9 ± 11.4 years) suffering from latex allergy were included in the present study. We recorded among our patients 13 cases (34.2%) of urticarial/angioedema (U/A), 9 cases (23.6%) of respiratory symptoms (dyspnoea, shortness of breath and wheezing) and 7 cases (18.4%) of anaphylaxis. In patients who underwent continuous SLIT, we observed less cases of U/A ( p < 0.001), respiratory symptoms ( p < 0.001), anaphylaxis ( p = 0.003), hospitalizations ( p = 0.014) and a lower therapy administration. We compared the results of SF-36 questionnaire in patients who underwent continuous and not-continuous SLIT with a significance differences score between these two groups.Conclusions: Our study is the first that investigated the clinical and quality of life effects of COVID-19 pandemic in NRLA patients.