While we are talking about the other conditions related to exstrophy I figured this would be a good time to bring up Latex allergies. Latex is the sap of the Heva Brasiliensis tree. It has been used in the manufacture of medical equipment since 1888. William Stewart Halsted, The Johns Hopkins Hospital's first surgeon in chief, is widely credited as the first to develop and introduce rubber surgical gloves in the United States, in 1894. (http://www.latexallergyresources.org/Pressroom/pressRelease.cfm?PressID=65).
Latex (natural rubber) allergy began to appear in the bladder ecstrophy and spina bifida population in the late 1980’s. Allergic reactions can range from watery and itchy eyes and/or sneezing and coughing, to hives (a blotchy, raised, itchy rash) to swelling of the trachea (wind-pipe) and even to life-threatening changes in blood pressure and circulation (anaphylactic shock). Because of the potential for serious reactions many hospitals are carefully assessing and adjusting their use of supplies containing latex. The Johns Hopkins Hospital has become the first major medical institution to become "latex safe" by ending all use of latex gloves and almost all medical latex products. (http://www.latexallergyresources.org/Pressroom/pressRelease.cfm?PressID=65).
It is theorized that sensitivities to Latex may develop in exstrophy patients as a result of the early, intense and constant exposure to rubber products through multiple surgeries, diagnostic tests and examinations, and from ongoing bladder and bowel programs. Exposure to latex occurs when products containing rubber come in contact with a person’s skin, mouth, eyes, genitals, bladder, or rectum. Serious reactions can also occur when latex enters the bloodstream. This is why you may have heard of severe allergic reactions occurring following injection of medication through latex stoppers or IV ports.
Other sources of contamination from latex are the powders from balloons or gloves that absorb latex proteins and become airborne. Food that has been handled by latex gloves may also cause a reaction. Also, people who have allergic reactions to latex may also be allergic to certain foods, including bananas, chestnuts, avocados and kiwi fruit. We’ve never had a problem here as my daughter would rather go hungry than try to eat any of these foods.
All individuals with bladder exstrophy are at high risk for having an allergic reaction to rubber and should avoid contact with rubber products. Only nonlatex gloves and catheters should be used. Alternative products, usually made of silicone, plastic or vinyl, can usually be safely substituted.
At first I was very diligent about my daughter’s exposure to latex. As a new mother and, more specifically, a new mother with a baby with special needs, I stressed over everything that may have had Latex in it. I wanted to know, how long she was touching it, if she had the item near her face or in her mouth, etc. When she was small I had better control of “all” of her environments.
Over time, as she was exposed to Latex and has not experienced an adverse reaction, I learned to step back a bit and CHILL. Today, I do limit her exposure to latex and in all medical procedures and surgeries she is identified as following “Latex Precautions”. Notice I said I limit her exposure. She still comes into contact with it here and there, I still check for reactions, but I don’t freak out anymore. As I’ve said, we’ve been lucky in that she has not experienced a reaction but all cases are different.
Children who have experienced definite allergic reactions should wear a medic-alert bracelet or necklace. They should also carry an auto-injectable epinephrine, and carry non-latex supplies for emergency use ( sterile gloves, catheters). Your child’s latex allergy should be discussed with all individuals that come into contact with your child, including school, day care, and camp, babysitters, relatives and medical personnel.
The following commonly encountered items may contain latex and pose a risk to the latex sensitive individual:
Healthcare Items:
Gloves, catheters, tourniquets, elastic bandages, ace wraps, IV tubing injection ports, medication vials, tape and dressings, Band-Aids.
Home / community items:
Balloons, pacifiers, dental dams, rubber bands, elastic in clothing, beach toys, koosh balls, baby bottle nipples, condoms, diaphragms, diapers and art supplies.
This is only a partial list, and it is always a good idea that individuals with bladder exstrophy and their families ask about the composition of products used in their care and in their home. More information about Latex, how it relates to exstrophy patients, and the list of items that contain Latex can be found by going to the following links:
When those Silly Bandz became all the craze my kids poured over all the shapes, colors, figures, etc. I wondered if these accessories contained latex. Supposedly, the true Silly Bandz brand does not contain latex. However, there have been instances where kids who were allergic to Latex did have reactions to them. My daughter goes back and forth on these accessories. Sometimes she wears them, but actually she seems to prefer those “cause” silicone bracelets. Below are some links containing information on the Silly Bandz and how they relate to Latex allergy reactions:
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