Prevalence of Latex Allergy in Children with Spina Bifida

This project has two goals: First, this study will assess how effective present day “latex avoidance” procedures have been in reducing latex sensitization among children who have been newly diagnosed with Spina Bifida during the past 5 years. Second, among those children who are identified as sensitized to latex based on a positive clinical history and blood test for latex-specific IgE antibody, the study will examine how facilitated avoidance through education accomplishes a reduction and a possible total elimination of sensitivity to latex.