Latex immunotherapy: evidence of effectiveness

INTRODUCTION: The only etiological and decisive therapy, able to influence the natural history of latex allergy is the specific desensitization. AIM: To verify the clinical efficacy and immunological changes determined by latex sublingual immunotherapy in allergic patients who underwent this treatment for at least 3 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 76 patients (16 males and 60 females, mean age 34 years old) with evidence of a natural rubber latex allergy. To assess the effectiveness of the immunotherapy we performed a latex skin prick test, specific IgE and IgG4 and challenge tests before and after at least 3 years of desensitization. RESULTS: We observed a reduction in the mean diameter of the wheal area at the skin prick test and a decrease in latex specific IgE while no significant changes of latex IgG4 values were found. Moreover a reduction of symptoms and scores at the provocation tests were remarked. CONCLUSIONS: Although the primary prevention (which still remains the gold standard treatment for patients suffering from the latex allergy) sublingual immunotherapy can be offered with efficacy in addition to symptomatic treatment to selected patients.