| Beta-Lactam Allergy and Cross-Reactivity |
|
Sang-Hoon Kim |
|
Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji General Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea |
| 베타-락탐 항생제 알레르기 및 교차반응 |
|
김상훈 |
|
을지대학교 의과대학 을지병원 내과 |
Correspondence:
Sang-Hoon Kim, Tel: +82-2-970-8365, Fax: +82-2-970-8621, Email: ksh1134@eulji.ac.kr
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Abstract |
|
Penicillins and cephalosporins are commonly prescribed beta-lactam antibiotics that are able to induce severe and sometimes even life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions. These reactions can be broadly classified as immediate or non-immediate/delayed depending on the onset of the reaction after the last drug administration. A definitive diagnosis of beta-lactam hypersensitivity is required to carry out the proper preventive measures. The diagnostic approach to beta-lactam allergy should be considered if the risk/possible benefit ratio is positive. In Korea, however, the diagnostic approach to beta-lactam allergy remains a major challenge. Major and minor determinants of penicillin for skin testing are unavailable, making skin testing appear to be less sensitive. Drug allergy work-ups that include standardized skin tests, reliable in vitro tests, and drug provocation tests are rarely carried out in clinical practice. However, screening patients without a prior history of beta-lactam allergy is routinely recommended. In this review, we discuss practical evaluation of beta-lactam allergy and cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins. |
| Key Words:
Allergy; Hypersensitivity; Diagnosis; Penicillin; Cephalosporin |
|
PDF Links
Full text via DOI
Download Citation
