JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association
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Many infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units are the children of women infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); they have approximately a 30% risk of infection. To investigate attitudes surrounding treatment for such newborns, we conducted a survey of professionals at six neonatal intensive care units in New York City. ⋯ We conclude that perceived HIV status may influence decision making about treatment for non-HIV-related conditions for critically ill patients, including infants not actually infected. Ethical issues concerning the relevance of HIV status need to be examined.
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A spectrum of IgE-mediated allergic responses to latex is presented in this report of 14 patients, including health care workers, sensitized by exposure to latex gloves. Symptoms often occurred immediately after exposure to latex, and manifestations varied according to the route of latex antigen presentation. Skin exposure usually caused contact urticaria. ⋯ Physicians should be aware that latex allergy can present as anaphylaxis during surgery, barium enema, or dental work. Latex skin tests are a satisfactory method of diagnosis. Nonlatex gloves are available and are tolerated by affected people.