Prevalence of Beta-lactam Allergy: a Retrospective Chart Review of Drug Allergy Assessment in a Predominantly Pediatric Population

Overview

Journal Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2016 Dec 14

PMID 27956906

Citations 20

Authors

Elissa M Abrams

Andrew Wakeman

Tom V Gerstner

Richard J Warrington

Alexander G Singer

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Research suggests that 90% of patients labeled beta-lactam allergic are able to tolerate penicillins following further assessment. This study aims to define and describe the frequency of true beta-lactam allergy following allergy patient evaluation in a predominantly pediatric population.

Methods: 306 primary care patients referred between January 2010 and June 2015 were assessed for a suspected beta-lactam allergy. Patient demographics, history and test results were extracted from electronic medical records. Testing performed was based on specialist recommendation following review of patient history.

Results: 34% of the study participants had intradermal testing. Oral challenge was given to 96.7% of the sample. 96% of patients with a prior history of beta-lactam allergy were advised that they could re-introduce beta-lactam antibiotics following evaluation.

Conclusions: Among patients with a documented beta-lactam allergy or a recent history of a reaction there is a low rate of 'true' beta-lactam allergy. Consistent evaluation of beta-lactam antibiotic allergies can reduce rates of broad spectrum antibiotic prescribing, among other harmful consequences.

Citing Articles

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Delabelling beta-lactam allergy.

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True Rate of Allergy among Pediatric Inpatients with Penicillin Allergy Labels (TRIAL).

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