Ethylene oxide allergy in children with spina bifida

Background: Allergic reactions to ethylene oxide (EtO)-treated products have occurred in several children with myelomeningoceles. Objective: The object of this study was to define the prevalence and significance of EtO-specific IgE among the children in our myelomeningocele clinic. Methods: The study population comprised three groups: children with myelomeningoceles, chronically ill controls (defined as children who had undergone at least three major operations), and well-child controls. Serum specimens were collected from each child, and a commercially available ELISA designed to identify IgE directed against both EtO and latex was performed on the specimens. Results: Seventeen of 75 (23%) children with myelomeningoceles had antibodies directed against EtO, as did 1 of 26 (4%) chronically ill controls. None of the 25 well controls had detectable levels of anti-EtO IgE. Children with antibodies directed against EtO were more likely to be atopic (p = 0.007) and to have a shunt (p = 0.021) and were markedly more likely to have antibodies directed against latex (p < 0.001). On average they had undergone more shunt revisions and other operations than had children without anti-EtO antibodies. Conclusion: During the period of study no child had anaphylaxis thought to have been due to EtO exposure. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1995;96:486-8.).