Cytomegalovirus myocarditis in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) successfully treated with ganciclovir.

Myocarditis is an inflammatory disease of the myocardium. Viruses, such as enterovirus, adenovirus, parvovirus B19, HHV6 or cytomegalovirus (CMV) and autoimmune diseases are recognized causes of myocarditis. We describe the clinical case of a young Indian woman with SLE and a concomitant acute CMV related myocarditis with favourable outcome after ganciclovir therapy.

Risk factors for latex allergy in patients with spina bifida and latex sensitization.

Background: Some subjects with spina bifida (SB) and latex sensitization (cutaneous and/or serum IgE) can have clinical reactions, while others may have no symptoms after the exposure to latex products.

Objective: This study was carried out to determine the risk factors associated with latex allergy in patients affected with SB and latex sensitization.

Methods: Fifty-nine consecutive subjects affected with SB, besides answering a questionnaire, underwent a skin-prick test (SPT) to latex and the determination of the specific serum IgE (RAST CAP) to latex.

Prevalence of and risk factors for latex sensitization in patients with spina bifida.

Purpose: We determined the prevalence of and risk factors for latex sensitization in patients with spina bifida.

Materials And Methods: A total of 59 consecutive subjects 2 to 40 years old with spina bifida answered a questionnaire, and underwent a latex skin prick test and determination of serum IgE specific for latex by RAST CAP radioimmunoassay. We also noted the relationships of total serum IgE skin prick tests to common air and food allergens.

[Allergy to latex evaluated at an allergology clinic].

Natural rubber latex allergy is responsible for a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from rhinoconjunctivitis to severe anaphylaxis both in adults and children. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and clinical significance of latex sensitization in children evaluated for allergic disease. Four hundred fifty three consecutive children evaluated for allergic disease in a university outpatient allergy clinic were screened.