Diagnosis of hypersensitivity reactions to non‑betalactam antibiotics in children

Abstract

Parallel to the increasing use of non-β-lactam antibiotics (NBLA), allergic reactions to this drug group also increase. Data about NBLA hypersensitivity in children are limited. The incidence of induced ANBL hypersensitivity reactions is estimated to be 1-3% in the general population, in children beeing most commonly induced by sulfonamides and macrolides. From a clinical point of view, the reactions cover a broad spectrum, ranging from mild eruptions to severe, and sometimes fatal, systemic drug reactions. The diagnosis reliee upon medical history and remainess unconfirmed by allergological tests in most cases. The precise diagnosis is difficult, because the in vivo and in vitro tests for NBLAs are not validated. The gold standard for a definitive diagnosis of NBLA hypersensitivity is drug provocation test. A standardized diagnostic approach should be developed for pediatric patients in the evaluation of suspected hypersensitivity to NBLA.