Abstract
BackgroundResearch 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.Methods306 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.Results34% 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.ConclusionsAmong 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.
Highlights
Research suggests that 90% of patients labeled beta-lactam allergic are able to tolerate penicillins following further assessment
Patients reporting penicillin allergies are more likely to receive broad-spectrum antibiotics [10] which have been linked to higher rates of antibiotic resistance [11]
This study aims to define and describe the frequency of true penicillin allergy among primary care patients evaluated by Allergy and Immunology specialists
Summary
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. Studies have clearly documented that over 90% of patients labeled allergic are able to tolerate penicillins once assessed [2, 4]. Recent estimates suggest that the rate of penicillin allergy may be decreasing [5], in pediatric populations [6]. This may be due to the changing nature of antibiotic prescription patterns. Patients reporting penicillin allergies are more likely to receive broad-spectrum antibiotics [10] which have been linked to higher rates of antibiotic resistance [11]
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