Penicillin allergy is found with an international incidence of about 10%. However, most patients who report penicillin allergy do not suffer from clinically significant hypersensitivity. Few patients undergo evaluation, leading to overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. The aim of the study was to monitor the prevalence and to implement screening tests and diagnostic tests of hospitalized patients. An interview in order to put the allergy reported into a low-risk category or a high-risk category. Patients with a history of low-risk allergy underwent a challenge test with oral amoxicillin to confirm the absence of a true IgE allergy.
The study results showed that 257 out of 5,529 hospitalized patients (4.6%) reported penicillin allergy . 191 (74%) of the patients underwent a screening test, of which 86 (45%) were found with a low-risk allergy. 54 (63%) of the low-risk group agreed to the oral challenge test. 98% of these did not experience an immediate reaction, and their labeling of penicillin allergy was subsequently removed. 42% of patients under antibiotic treatment were able to switch to penicillin treatment immediately due to the test.
The researchers concluded that the prevalence of self-reported allergy labeling was lower in the Norwegian population, compared to other studies. Survey tests and diagnostic tests of inpatients with self-reported allergy were a feasible and easy way to perform for the labeling of penicillin allergy, which led to immediate clinical and environmental benefit.
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