Skin Testing for Penicillin Allergy: a Review of the Literature. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 2021 Mar 18;21(3):21
Date
03/20/2021Pubmed ID
33738621DOI
10.1007/s11882-021-00997-xScopus ID
2-s2.0-85102772091 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 11 CitationsAbstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Self-reported penicillin allergies are frequently reported, though more than 95% of those are not truly allergic when challenged. These patients are more likely to receive alternative antibiotic regimens resulting in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics that may be less effective, more toxic, and/or more expensive than preferred agents. Given the significant burden on patient outcomes and the healthcare system, the ability to reconcile an allergy and broaden future antibiotic options is essential.
RECENT FINDINGS: This is a narrative review describing risk stratification for penicillin skin testing, practical advice for implementation, and future directions. A summary of studies within the last 5 years is provided. The trend over the past several years has been to offer oral drug challenges to low-risk patients and skin testing to high-risk patients with a reported penicillin allergy. This review provides support for risk stratification assessment of reported penicillin allergy to optimize antibiotic use and prevent emergence of antimicrobial resistance.
Author List
Zembles T, Mitchell M, Alqurashi W, Castells M, Phillips EJ, Vyles DAuthor
Michelle Mitchell MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
Anti-Bacterial AgentsDrug Hypersensitivity
Humans
Penicillins
Skin Tests
