BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Latex products very present in the Anesthesiology practice. The first latex allergy report dates from 1933. The incidence of latex sensitivity among anesthesiologists is 12.5% to 15.8%. It increases in some specific groups leading to dangerous reactions and even to lethal cases. The purpose of this study was to review literature on such important subject to the anesthesiologist, addressing diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of latex allergy. CONTENTS: Studies on the prevalence of latex allergy differ a lot because different populations are evaluated with different methods to establish the sensitivity to the antigen. In spite of those variations there are some very high-risk groups, especially disabled children with neural tube defects. Clinical presentations vary from cutaneous eruptions to anaphylaxis and death. Early diagnosis with IgE evaluation may prevent such reactions. CONCLUSIONS: The early diagnosis of latex allergy is critically important. Dealing with these patients in latex-free environments prevents sensitization and, very often, the evolution to dramatic situations.
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