Abstract

More than 90% of pediatric patients labeled with a penicillin allergy can tolerate subsequent treatment courses without reaction. Graded-dose challenges (GDCs) are an important tool to clarify reported penicillin allergy. To increase the use of same-day amoxicillin GDCs among patients with a low-risk penicillin allergy history who presented for outpatient allergy office evaluation from 2% to 15% and sustain for 6 months. New patients evaluated in an academic pediatric allergy clinic with a documented penicillin allergy were included, regardless of reason for referral. The percentage of these patients who were administered a GDC to amoxicillin at the initial evaluation was assessed over time. Multiple interventions were implemented to increase same-day GDC: amoxicillin, previously only available from pharmacy, was made available in clinic, and penicillin-allergic patients were scheduled earlier in the clinic session. The baseline rate of new patients with penicillin allergy who received a GDC increased from 2% to 18% after amoxicillin was stocked in the allergy clinic. GDCs further increased to 34% after penicillin-allergic patients were scheduled at a time conducive to challenge. Amoxicillin availability in the clinic setting increased the percentage of eligible patients who completed same-day GDCs. Scheduling adjustments further increased the ability to conduct GDCs. Proactive penicillin allergy delabeling efforts can be assisted through practical approaches in the outpatient setting.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call