Prevalence and Validity of Self‐Reported Antibiotic Allergy in Emergency Department Patients

Abstract

ABSTRACTAimTo determine the prevalence of self‐reported antibiotic allergy and the likelihood of true antibiotic hypersensitivity in emergency department patients.MethodA convenience sample of emergency department patients were reviewed for antibiotic allergy. Patients with self‐reported allergy were invited to participate in a structured interview to obtain a detailed allergy history. The interview findings were reviewed to determine the likelihood of the self‐reported reaction being an allergy.Results141/1087 (13%; 95%CI 11.1–15.2) patients reported an antibiotic allergy. 18 antibiotics were reported as allergens, with penicillin reported 107 times (prevalence 9.8%; 95%CI 8.2–11.8). 41 patients underwent a structured interview. More than 20 different allergy symptoms were reported, especially rash, redness and itchiness. 9 (19%; 95%CI 0.7–15.7) patients were classified as unlikely to have a true antibiotic hypersensitivity.ConclusionAlthough, self‐reported antibiotic allergy is common, a considerable proportion are unlikely to be true hypersensitivities. Further education, referral and skin‐prick testing of patients is needed.