Which group of patients is at a higher risk for developing a latex allergy?

Patients with genitourinary defects are at a higher risk for developing a latex allergy due to the frequent use of latex-containing medical devices such as catheters and gloves during treatment and procedures related to their condition. This increased exposure to latex products can sensitize the immune system, leading to an allergic reaction. Individuals with genitourinary defects often have multiple interactions with healthcare that involve these latex items, making them more susceptible than the general population.

In contrast, the other patient groups have differing levels of risk based on the nature of their conditions and exposures. For instance, individuals with Trisomy 18 may face various health challenges but do not necessarily have an increased exposure to latex-related products in the same way. Similarly, allergies to fish or cephalosporins do not have a direct correlation with latex sensitivity, as they involve different allergenic mechanisms that are unrelated to latex exposure. Therefore, while various allergies can signify a predisposition to allergic reactions, genitourinary defects specifically highlight a context where latex exposure is common, raising the risk for a latex allergy significantly.