Comprehensive allergy work-up is mandatory in cystic fibrosis patients who report a history suggestive of drug allergy to beta-lactam antibiotics.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

In the general population, reports on suspected ß-lactam hypersensitivity are common. After a drug allergy work-up at best 20% of the selected patients are positive. However, these considerations have not been explored in cystic fibrosis patients for whom antibiotics are even more crucial.

METHODS:

The study, part of the Drug Allergy and Hypersensitivity (DAHD) cohort, was performed in the regional cystic fibrosis center of Montpellier, France. After identifying patients with a clinical history suggestive of drug allergy to ß-lactams, a complete drug allergy work-up, was carried out according to the EAACI recommendations.

RESULTS:

Among the 171 patients involved, 23 reported clinical manifestations potentially compatible with a drug allergy to ß-lactams. After performing the complete drug-allergy work-up, 7 were considered as drug hypersensitive (3 had positive skin tests, 1 a positive provocation test, 3 declined the tests). Excluding the latter 3 patients with incomplete drug allergy work-up, the rate of proven drug allergy was 2.3%.

CONCLUSIONS:

Drug allergy to ß-lactams in cystic fibrosis patients is of importance. A full drug allergy work-up is mandatory in case of suspicion, because ß-lactam responsibility is often ruled out.

• Authors: Silvia Caimmi, Céline Sanfiorenzo, Davide Caimmi, Philippe-Jean Bousquet, Raphael Chiron, Pascal Demoly
• Journal: Clinical and translational allergy (Clin Transl Allergy) Vol. 2 Issue 1 Pg. 10 (Jun 14 2012) ISSN: 2045-7022 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 22697261 (Publication Type: Journal Article)