Latex Reactions Vanished From Pediatric Perioperative Allergy After 2017
In a large French pediatric registry, latex-related perioperative reactions disappeared after 2017, yet a culprit was found in only 43% of cases.
Researchers pooled six French surveys (1997-2012) with a national allergy database (2017-2024) to describe perioperative hypersensitivity in children. Of 4605 reactions recorded, 461 (10%) occurred in patients under 18, with a median age of 14. Half were grade 1, while 26% were grade 3 and 1% grade 4.
A causal agent was identified in 199 cases (43%). Neuromuscular blocking agents accounted for 31%, latex for 30% and antibiotics for 16%. Latex-related reactions were no longer seen after 2017.
Identification was more common in anaphylaxis than in isolated skin reactions (61% vs. 25%). Cases with an identified culprit were more severe (grade 3-4 in 46% vs. 13%) and had higher acute tryptase (median 16.0 vs. 4.0 μg/L). This is a pooled descriptive analysis across different eras and surveys, so it shows associations and trends rather than causes.
Summary prepared with AI assistance from the published abstract and reviewed by a physician. Not medical advice. Learn more
