Assessment of hypersensitivity reactions in patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics who report a history of penicillin allergy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The use of carbapenem antibacterials in patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy is somewhat controversial. This study aimed to examine the rates of presumed hypersensitivity reactions in a large cohort of patients receiving carbapenem antibiotics.

METHODS:

A retrospective chart review was performed on all adult patients who received a carbapenem in a teaching hospital from June 2011 to June 2012. Information procured included listed penicillin allergy and reaction if known, type of carbapenem received, and any allergic reaction during that admission.

RESULTS:

Nine-hundred and fifty eight patients who received a carbapenem antimicrobial were reviewed. Five patients developed a presumed reaction to carbapenem: one in the penicillin allergy group and four in the non-allergic group. There were no statistical or numerical differences in rates of reaction between the two groups.

CONCLUSION:

Patients with a claimed history of penicillin allergy were not more likely to develop a presumed hypersensitivity reaction to a carbapenem compared to those who did not claim such an allergy.

• Authors: Geoffrey C Wall, Vuong A Nayima, Kristen M Neumeister
• Journal: Journal of chemotherapy (Florence, Italy) (J Chemother) Vol. 26 Issue 3 Pg. 150-3 (Jun 2014) ISSN: 1973-9478 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 24090971 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Carbapenems
• Penicillins

Topics

• Adult
• Carbapenems (adverse effects)
• Drug Hypersensitivity (epidemiology, etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Penicillins (adverse effects)
• Retrospective Studies