Abstract
Latex allergy is an immediate-type allergy caused by allergen and Ig-E antibody reactions, and several studies have demonstrated that from 20% to 50% of affected patients show allergic reactions to fruit such as bananas, chestnuts, and avocados. This cross-reaction is known as “latex-fruit syndrome.” We treated a 3-year-old girl with latex-fruit syndrome, who was referred to our department for treatment of dental caries by a general dentist. In addition to asthma and atopic dermatitis, she had allergic reactions to many food items and was diagnosed with latex-fruit syndrome at the age of 2 years 3 months. We were concerned about potential allergic reactions to dental materials and drugs during treatment, and confirmed negative results to several dental materials and drugs by patch skin testing. The patient underwent composite resin restoration under local anesthesia with vital signs monitored by a dental anesthesiologist. No allergic reactions were observed during or after treatment. Medical practitioners will occasionally encounter patients with allergies in daily clinical practice and anaphylactic shock has a risk of death if emergency treatment is inadequate. The present patient was at high risk for anaphylactic shock. Therefore, a patch test for dental materials and dugs was performed before beginning therapy, and vital signs were monitored by a dental anesthesiologist during treatment. It is important for clinicians to diagnose allergies and take precautionary measures against anaphylactic reactions prior to treatment, for both patient safety and to alleviate anxiety in their guardians.
