Evaluating the usefulness of retesting for beta-lactam allergy in children

Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2012 Oct;31(10):1091-3. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3182624d03.

Abstract

Many children with adverse reactions to beta-lactams are labeled as allergic without performing an allergy study to confirm it. In this retrospective study of 10 years, we detected only 3.3% positive cases. Although international guidelines recommend a second allergy workup in patients with a negative study, we found from our results a low profitability of retesting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / diagnosis*
  • Hypersensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • beta-Lactams / adverse effects*

Substances

  • beta-Lactams